McDaniel Targets ‘Year 2 Results’ for Justin Herbert in New Chargers Offense

Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel is implementing a 500-point adjustment plan to accelerate Justin Herbert's transition into the Chargers' new system.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel confirmed Monday that quarterback Justin Herbert is executing a revamped offensive system designed to produce "Year 2 results in Year 1." During training camp, Herbert completed a roughly 40-yard pass to tight end David Njoku, lofting the ball over the arms of safety RJ Mickens. The play required Herbert to read the post safety early in his drop and deliver the ball with anticipation without an extra hitch, a specific technique McDaniel requested. Following the completion, McDaniel celebrated the execution of the read, which he noted is becoming a regular occurrence during daily practices.

McDaniel’s installation involves a list of approximately 500 coaching adjustments intended to bypass the typical first-year struggles associated with new systems. The coordinator described the current Los Angeles scheme as the "most tightly woven" install of his professional career. To facilitate this transition, McDaniel altered his meeting structures and introduced challenges regarding formations and alignments that he had never utilized in previous coaching stops. This process began in January and continued through the team's first on-field sessions months later.

Technical Footwork and Stance Changes

A primary technical challenge issued to Herbert involves a fundamental shift in his shotgun stance. McDaniel instructed the quarterback to move away from the traditional practice of keeping the throwing-side foot forward. This specific footwork adjustment is designed to help quarterbacks distribute the ball to receivers in space with greater speed. While the change appeared clunky during the Chargers' minicamp in June, the staff reports the transition has become seamless throughout August training camp sessions. Herbert is now hitting receivers early and in stride, drawing consistent praise from the coaching staff.

McDaniel previously implemented this exact footwork change with Tua Tagovailoa in Miami and Matt Ryan in Atlanta. The adjustment traces back two decades to McDaniel’s time as an assistant in Houston, where he learned the mechanic from then-offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan. The goal of the modification is to maximize the efficiency of the quarterback's drop and release timing.

Historical Precedent for System Jumps

The push for immediate elite production follows a documented trend in McDaniel’s offensive history. Matt Ryan earned his only NFL MVP award and a first-team All-Pro selection in 2016 during his second year in this system while McDaniel served as an offensive assistant. Similarly, Tua Tagovailoa earned his first Pro Bowl nod during his second season under McDaniel’s leadership. In 2023, Tagovailoa led the NFL with 4,624 passing yards as the Dolphins offense ranked first in the league for total yardage.

During McDaniel’s first year as head coach in Miami in 2022, the Dolphins offense finished sixth in total yards. This marked the first time that franchise had reached the top 10 in that category since 1995. By applying these historical lessons to the Los Angeles roster, McDaniel aims to ensure the Chargers do not require a "year off" to learn the complexities of the playbook.

Training Camp Progress and Execution

Herbert’s performance during the summer has exceeded internal expectations, with McDaniel stating the quarterback is "far past where quarterbacks are usually in Year 1." The coaching staff is utilizing every practice to introduce new elements for Herbert to master. The focus remains on prerequisite work to ensure the offense is prepared to hit the ground running for the 2026 season. McDaniel noted that Herbert has been "everything that I’d hoped and more" since the installation began.

Kris Rhim of ESPN reported these developments on August 17, 2026, noting that the Chargers are striving for peak performance immediately rather than waiting for a developmental leap in the following season. The integration of Njoku and the defensive challenges provided by players like Mickens serve as the baseline for Herbert’s daily evaluations as he adapts to the new stance and anticipation requirements.