The Chargers didn’t just land an offensive coordinator - they brought in one of the most creative minds in football. Mike McDaniel is headed to Los Angeles, where he’ll team up with Jim Harbaugh and quarterback Justin Herbert in what could be one of the most intriguing offensive partnerships in the league.
McDaniel, who had opportunities elsewhere - including a potential head coaching gig - ultimately chose to join Harbaugh’s staff in L.A. And while the Cleveland Browns job was reportedly in the mix, McDaniel opted out of that conversation and into a situation that offers both talent and upside.
At his introductory press conference, McDaniel made it clear: this is a chance to build something special. “We’re both geeked for the future and the possibilities,” he said of his early conversations with Herbert. That’s not just coach speak - that’s a sign of mutual buy-in between one of the league’s most inventive play-callers and one of its most physically gifted quarterbacks.
Herbert, of course, has all the tools. Since being drafted sixth overall out of Oregon in 2020, he’s racked up accolades - Offensive Rookie of the Year, two Pro Bowl selections, and multiple seasons of MVP-level buzz.
He’s got the arm, the mobility, and the football IQ. But there’s one thing missing from his résumé: playoff success.
In three postseason appearances, Herbert has yet to notch a win, and his numbers in those games - two touchdowns, four interceptions, and a lost fumble - tell the story of a player still looking to break through on the biggest stage.
That’s where McDaniel comes in.
Known for his ability to scheme up efficient, quarterback-friendly offenses, McDaniel isn’t just coming to L.A. to let Herbert sling it 50 times a game. He’s coming to create a structure that allows Herbert to thrive without having to be Superman on every snap.
“Not relying too heavily on Justin’s ability to do above and beyond, I think, is critical to maximize those types of opportunities,” McDaniel said. “That’ll be one of the first things that we’ll try to do, is take a little off his plate so that he is free to do that when his greatness is required.”
That’s a telling quote. McDaniel understands that Herbert’s raw talent is rare - but he also knows that the best offenses don’t ask their quarterback to play hero ball every week.
Instead, they build systems that create easy throws, consistent gains, and rhythm. That’s been McDaniel’s calling card, and it’s why Harbaugh made this hire.
If this partnership clicks, the Chargers could finally unlock the full potential of their offense. For Herbert, it’s a chance to take that next step - not just as a highlight-reel passer, but as a quarterback who wins deep in January. And for McDaniel, it’s a fresh opportunity to prove once again that his offensive vision can elevate even the most talented of players.
There’s work to be done in L.A., but with Harbaugh at the helm, Herbert under center, and McDaniel drawing up the plays, the Chargers have put together a trio that’s built for something bigger.