Chargers Stick With Mike McDaniel as Offensive Playcaller Following Bye Week Review

Coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed Wednesday that Mike McDaniel will continue as the Chargers' playcaller despite the team's 0-6 record and league-low scoring average.

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh announced Wednesday that Mike McDaniel will remain the team’s offensive playcaller. The decision follows a Week 7 bye week spent on organizational self-scouting after a 22-6 Week 6 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chargers are currently the NFL's final winless team at 0-6 and rank last in the league with a 15.0 points-per-game average. During the loss to Kansas City, the offense produced a season-low six points and totaled 259 yards.

Quarterback Justin Herbert is currently tied for the NFL lead with eight interceptions this season. His recent turnovers include a Week 3 interception to Buffalo Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson and two Week 4 picks caught by Seattle Seahawks linebackers Drake Thomas and Ernest Jones IV. Under McDaniel’s guidance, Herbert altered his shotgun stance this offseason by placing his left foot in front of his right and utilized a green water ball during footwork drills to refine his throwing motion.

McDaniel joined the Chargers this offseason after being dismissed by the Miami Dolphins in January. While he previously led a 2023 Dolphins offense that recorded 700-plus yards in a 70-20 victory over the Denver Broncos, his current unit has struggled to improve upon a Chargers offense that scored one touchdown in two playoff losses. Harbaugh told reporters, via The Athletic, that the organization remains confident in McDaniel’s talent and work ethic despite the winless start.