With new OC Mike McDaniel leading the offense, the Chargers are now legitimate contenders in the AFC. Los Angeles entered the 2025 season with a lot of media attention and hopeful fans with the Jim Harbaugh era underway. The former Michigan Wolverines and San Francisco 49ers coach immediately stepped in, changing his squad’s culture and toughness. The season, however, was an up-and-down ride, as the Chargers were plagued with injuries and inconsistent play from their offense. Now, with the addition of McDaniel, Justin Herbert and the offense look to unleash their full potential on the league.
McDaniel is considered to be an offensive genius around the league. He traces his roots to the Shanahan coaching tree, starting as an intern under Mike Shanahan before eventually linking up with Mike’s son Kyle. His full potential was on display with the 49ers from 2017-2021, culminating in a debut as offensive coordinator in his final season with San Francisco, leading one of the league’s top offenses. McDaniel blended Shanahan’s and Gary Kubiak’s offensive styles, using the run to open play action passes, horizontally stretching defenses, and creative usage of Swiss-Army-Knife players such as Deebo Samuel.
Following his tenure with the Niners, McDaniel took on the job of head coach in Miami, where he commanded a high-powered Dolphins offense. Despite up-and-down play from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, the head coach managed to field a top-10 offense in 2022 and 2023, finishing second in points per game and first in total offense in 2023. Unfortunately, McDaniel’s strong offense was not enough to turn the ship around for Miami.
OC Mike McDaniel Is Better Than HC Mike McDaniel
The Chargers offense presents McDaniel with a prime opportunity to continue his offensive genius, starting with the quarterback. Justin Herbert is hands down the best QB he has ever had the opportunity to coach as a coordinator. This allows McDaniel to trust his quarterback play and design an offense that is not limited by who is under center, unlike Miami. Herbert can make all the throws but has struggled with consistency, limiting his ability to take his game to the next level. It is a match made in heaven. With McDaniel wearing the headset, Herbert will look to finally live up to the hype.
The run game is another huge part of the McDaniel offense. Both with the 49ers and in Miami, he fielded powerful rushing attacks. McDaniel uses misdirections, outside zone, and motion heavily in his run strategy that opens up play action passing opportunities. The use of motion confuses and exposes defenses, causing defenders to find themselves out of position or headed in the wrong direction. With running back Omarion Hampton looking to bounce back from his injury-riddled rookie season, the Chargers have a potential top-five rusher this year in a modern offense.
In addition to Herbert and Hampton, McDaniel has his new ace in Ladd McConkey. The third-year wideout hit the scene as a rookie in 2024, shocking the league with over 1100 yards and seven touchdowns. After a sophomore slump last year, he has the chance to be the key to this McDaniel offensive scheme. McConkey draws many similarities to Samuel back in San Francisco. McDaniel’s creativity will use the receiver’s speed, elusiveness, and route running to work with the run game in perfect harmony. Paired with serious threat speedster Quentin Johnston, who hopes to become more refined as a legitimate outside receiver, the passing game is poised for a strong season.
The Chargers Will Have One Of The League’s Most Explosive Offenses in 2026
The Los Angeles offense struggled last season, especially in the playoffs. Coach Harbaugh has already formed a tough defense. With McDaniel now calling plays for the offense, the Chargers are looking to battle for AFC West supremacy and dethrone the Broncos. Even in the NFL’s toughest division,
McDaniel will have the offense ready to make a run for the Super Bowl.
