Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh announced Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026, that offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel will remain the team’s offensive playcaller. The decision follows a bye week of self-scouting for the Chargers, who are currently the NFL’s last winless team with an 0-6 record.
We’re very confident in Mike and his talent, his work ethic and his ability,
Jim Harbaugh told reporters, according to The Athletic. We continue to be.
The decision comes as the Chargers struggle with a league-worst offense that averages 15.0 points per game. Harbaugh noted that the organization used the bye week for looking into everything to improve the unit.
Justin Herbert’s Struggles Under the McDaniel System
The partnership between McDaniel and quarterback Justin Herbert has not met early expectations. Herbert is currently tied for the NFL lead with eight interceptions. His recent performances include throwing picks to Buffalo Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson in Week 3, and two interceptions to Seattle Seahawks linebackers Drake Thomas and Ernest Jones IV in Week 4.
To fit McDaniel’s system, Herbert altered his shotgun stance during the offseason, moving his left foot in front of his right. This is a technical change McDaniel previously implemented with Tua Tagovailoa in Miami. To master the footwork, it was reported that Herbert spent days practicing with a green water ball instead of throwing a football.
Despite these efforts, Herbert’s efficiency has plummeted. AP reported that his passer rating (70.6) and completion percentage (59.7) are significantly below his career averages. In a 30-23 loss to the Seahawks, Herbert was sacked four times and lost a fumble on the final offensive drive. He finished that game with 19 of 31 passes for 189 yards, having completed only five passes for 36 yards in the first half. Herbert’s 12 sacks received currently tie him for second-most in the NFL.
#Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh said OC Mike McDaniel will remain the team's offensive play-caller as they return from their bye week. pic.twitter.com/IqBrLz834Q
A Contrast in Offensive Production
McDaniel arrived in Los Angeles with a reputation as one of the most respected offensive playcallers in the NFL. His track record includes a 70-20 victory over the Denver Broncos in 2023 with the Miami Dolphins, a game in which his offense surpassed 700 yards and tied the record for points scored in a game.
That historical success contrasts sharply with the current Chargers output. The team’s low point came in Week 6, when they scored a season-low six points in a 22-6 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, managing only 259 total yards.
Week 8 Stakes Against the Los Angeles Rams
McDaniel now faces a critical test this Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams. While Harbaugh has publicly backed his coordinator, HEAVY reported that McDaniel is effectively coaching for his life given the team’s 0-6 start. The Rams enter the matchup looking to push their own record back to .500.
- Record: 0-6 (last winless team in the NFL)
- Scoring: 15.0 points per game (league-worst)
- Turnovers: Most frequent turnovers of any NFL team
- Quarterback: 8 interceptions for Justin Herbert (tied for NFL lead)
Harbaugh maintained that the team responded correctly to their shortcomings during the bye week, stating, I feel like every stone, any part that we could look to better, that’s the way we responded.
Jim Harbaugh said Chargers OC Mike McDaniel will continue to call plays.
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