Justin Herbert might be stepping into the most exciting chapter of his career-and it's not just because Jim Harbaugh is in the building. The real jolt could come from Mike McDaniel, who is reportedly turning down at least one head coaching opportunity to take the reins of the Chargers offense. That’s a major win for L.A., and a potential game-changer for Herbert.
What McDaniel Did for Tua
To understand what McDaniel might unlock in Herbert, just look at what he did with Tua Tagovailoa. When McDaniel took over in Miami, Tua’s game took off.
In 2022, despite missing time, he threw for 25 touchdowns in just 13 games and led the league with a 105.5 passer rating. The next year, he stayed healthy for all 17 games, threw for 4,624 yards, and added 29 touchdowns.
That kind of leap doesn’t happen by accident-it’s the product of a system tailored to a quarterback’s strengths and a play-caller who knows how to scheme receivers open and stretch defenses vertically.
Why Herbert Could Be Even Better
Now, imagine McDaniel’s system with a quarterback who’s bigger, stronger, and more mobile. That’s what he gets in Herbert.
At 6’6”, Herbert has a natural advantage in the pocket. He sees the field better, navigates pressure with more ease, and has the frame to absorb hits-something that’s plagued Tua throughout his career.
While both quarterbacks have taken their share of punishment, Herbert has shown a remarkable ability to stay on the field, even behind an offensive line that’s been riddled with injuries.
And then there’s the athleticism. Herbert led the league in scramble yards and was second only to Josh Allen in quarterback rushing yards.
That mobility adds a dimension to McDaniel’s offense that he didn’t fully have in Miami. With Herbert, the playbook opens up in new ways-bootlegs, designed runs, off-platform throws.
The ceiling gets higher.
MVP Potential?
If the Chargers can protect Herbert and add another weapon on the outside, there’s no reason he can’t be in the MVP conversation. Tua made his first Pro Bowl under McDaniel and led the league in passing. Herbert has already shown he can put up elite numbers-now he’ll be working with one of the most creative offensive minds in the game.
McDaniel’s system is built on timing, spacing, and misdirection, and it thrives when the quarterback is decisive and accurate. Herbert has the arm talent to make every throw on the field, and now he’ll have a coach who knows how to scheme those throws into existence. With Harbaugh overseeing the big picture, McDaniel will have the freedom to focus solely on maximizing Herbert’s skill set.
A Win-Now Window
Make no mistake-the Chargers are in go mode. Harbaugh didn’t come to L.A. to rebuild, and Herbert’s contract reflects the franchise’s belief that he’s a top-tier quarterback who’s ready to win now. Bringing in McDaniel is another aggressive move to capitalize on that window.
The Chargers have long been a team with talent that hasn’t quite translated into postseason success. But this new alignment-Harbaugh at the helm, McDaniel calling the offense, and Herbert entering his prime-could finally be the formula that gets them over the hump.
If it all clicks, we might be looking at one of the most explosive offenses in the league. And if that happens, don’t be surprised if Herbert isn’t just in the MVP race-he might be leading it.