Chargers’ Coordinator Plans in Flux as Minter Heads to Ravens, McDaniel Eyes Buffalo Job
What looked like a smooth offseason for the Los Angeles Chargers is suddenly anything but.
Just days ago, the team seemed to be settling into a promising new era: Jim Harbaugh at the helm, Jesse Minter orchestrating a stingy defense, and Mike McDaniel poised to revamp an offense that badly needed a jolt. But now? That blueprint may already be unraveling.
Minter Heads to Baltimore
The first domino fell with Jesse Minter accepting the head coaching job with the Baltimore Ravens. After a standout year running the Chargers’ defense, Minter is cashing in-and don’t be surprised if he takes some of L.A.’s defensive staff with him. That’s just how these transitions tend to go in the NFL.
To get ahead of the curve, the Chargers have already brought in Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr for an interview. Orr’s a rising name in coaching circles, but his potential arrival in Los Angeles raises an interesting wrinkle: What does this mean for Odafe Oweh?
Oweh, who found new life in L.A. after being traded from Baltimore during the 2025 season, saw his production spike under Minter. If Orr comes in, it’s worth watching whether Oweh wants to stick around or test the market. Chemistry and coaching style matter, especially for a player who just got his career back on track.
McDaniel’s Future Up in the Air
On the offensive side, things are just as murky. Mike McDaniel has yet to be officially announced as the Chargers’ new offensive coordinator-and now he’s interviewing for the head coaching job in Buffalo.
If McDaniel lands that gig, the Chargers could find themselves without coordinators on both sides of the ball deep into the offseason. That’s a tough spot for any team, let alone one trying to maximize Justin Herbert’s prime years.
McDaniel was viewed as a potential game-changer for Herbert and this offense. His creative, motion-heavy system could’ve been exactly what L.A. needed to unlock the full potential of their franchise quarterback. But if he jumps to Buffalo, the Chargers will be back to square one-searching not just for a vision, but for the personnel to execute it.
Philip Rivers in the Mix?
Now here’s a twist nobody saw coming: Philip Rivers is also interviewing with the Bills for their head coaching vacancy.
Yes, that Philip Rivers-the longtime Chargers and Colts quarterback who spent the last few years coaching high school football before making a surprise return to the NFL this season. His comeback was more than just a feel-good story; he played well enough to shift the conversation around his Hall of Fame candidacy.
Now, he’s in the mix for one of the top jobs in the league.
It would be unprecedented-jumping straight from high school coach to NFL head coach-but Rivers has always been a student of the game. If he connects with Josh Allen and the Bills brass, this could be more than just a fun headline. It could be a real possibility.
What’s Next for the Chargers?
The Chargers entered the offseason with a clear plan. But as is often the case in the NFL, plans change fast.
With Minter gone and McDaniel possibly on the way out before even arriving, Harbaugh and the front office are suddenly facing a major reset. The stakes are high, especially with a franchise quarterback in place and a fan base hungry for results.
The next few weeks will be crucial-not just for filling vacancies, but for setting the tone of this new era in Los Angeles.