The Sporting Tribune's Fernando Ramirez writes that the Chargers brass didn't let Mike McDaniel leave LA without agreeing to be their OC, which was a smart move.
The Los Angeles Chargers moved quickly to hire their next offensive coordinator, landing Mike McDaniel, according to multiple reports.
When Jim Harbaugh spoke to reporters during his end-of-season press conference last Thursday, he said the team was searching for the “head coach of the offense.” It appears he found that in McDaniel.
The Chargers fired offensive coordinator Greg Roman and offensive line coach Mike Devlin just days earlier, signaling a clear desire for a new direction on offense.
Harbaugh and members of the Chargers’ brass met with McDaniel on Tuesday, and it seems Harbaugh did an effective job selling the vision. According to NFL Network, the former Dolphins head coach began informing other teams that he planned to stay in Los Angeles to coach quarterback Justin Herbert.
So what are the Chargers getting in McDaniel?
Rich Storry-Imagn Images
Oct 12, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh greats Miami Dolphins Mike McDaniel at the game at Hard Rock Stadium.
They are getting a creative offensive mind who could be exactly what Herbert needs from his play caller.
McDaniel spent four seasons as the Miami Dolphins head coach, where he built one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL. In 2022, Miami finished sixth in total offense and ranked inside the top 10 in scoring. The following season, the Dolphins led the NFL in yards per game and finished second in points per game.
During that peak season, wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle combined for 189 receptions, over 1,800 yards, and 17 touchdowns, while running back Raheem Mostert eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards and scored 18 rushing touchdowns.
McDaniel’s offenses are known for their explosiveness, something that has been missing for the Chargers during the two seasons under Roman.
The last two years in Miami were marked by offensive decline, but those struggles coincided with numerous injuries to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, Hill, Waddle, and several other key players.
In fact, the Dolphins initially planned to retain McDaniel after firing general manager Chris Greer midway through the season, but ultimately changed course and dismissed him late last week.
The Chargers have several weapons McDaniel will enjoy moving around, including receiver Ladd McConkey, who experienced a bit of a sophomore slump, speedy wideout Quentin Johnston, rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden, and running back Omarion Hampton.
This past season, McDaniel thrived with running back De’Von Achane, who led the league with an average of 5.7 yards per carry. He could also do big things with Gadsden, whose skill set resembles that of Darren Waller, who experienced a revival with the Dolphins.
This is a hire the Chargers historically might not attempt or could lose out on to teams like the Buccaneers or Eagles, but Harbaugh understands what he has in this roster. He needs elements of the Kyle Shanahan system blended with his own philosophy, and McDaniel fits that vision perfectly.
During his lone season as offensive coordinator in San Francisco, McDaniel’s offense ranked seventh in total offense, 13th in scoring, seventh in rushing, and 12th in passing, all while working with Jimmy Garoppolo at quarterback.
The Chargers’ offensive line coach position is also vacant, a role Harbaugh previously indicated would be filled by the offensive coordinator. That makes this another key area to watch under McDaniel. One intriguing possibility is McDaniel reaching out to former Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith to join him in Los Angeles as the offensive line coach. Smith previously coached with the Chargers during Brandon Staley’s first season and helped develop one of the strongest offensive lines the team has had in years. He would be a slam-dunk candidate for a unit in need of a complete reset after injuries and inconsistency along the line cost the Chargers multiple games during the 2025 season.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Nov 2, 2023; Frankfurt, Germany; Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith (left) and coach Mike McDaniel during practice at the PSD Bank Arena.
Harbaugh knew after two quick playoff exits that a change was necessary. Under Roman, the Chargers were outscored 48–15 in those games. They needed something different.
Barring any last-minute changes, McDaniel will now have Justin Herbert as his quarterback. The Chargers’ offense is going to look very different in 2026, and that could be exactly what this team needs for its future.
Category: General Sports
