The Los Angeles Chargers’ new coaching staff has been dropping hints all offseason about how the team will operate on the field come Week 1 of the 2024 season. Head coach Jim Harbaugh laid out his priorities and offensive coordinator Greg Roman waxed poetic about pairing quarterback Justin Herbert with a strong run game. Both emphasized a balanced offensive approach.
Los Angeles Chargers TE Coach on Unique Offense
In his introductory press conference, Los Angeles Chargers run game coordinator and tight ends coach Andy Bischoff reiterated those ideas but also touted just how innovative they think their offense will be.
“Why not create something different than ever has been done?” Bischoff said. “As much success as we’ve all had in different places doing different things, none of that really matters. All that matters is right now and creating that here.”
The first step is to Provide Protection
What won’t change is Harbaugh’s approach to team building. In all iterations of his coaching career, Harbaugh builds from the line of scrimmage outward. Bischoff made the point even finer;
“We want to protect him [Herbert] so that he can be at his best,” Bischoff said. “We want to provide a run game that can give us balance. And we want to be an offense that’s different and unique for him to be able to function at his best.”
“When it comes to our strength program, it’s built around the O-line. Everybody else fall in line. Some people don’t value offensive linemen; we do. That will be shown in how we approach everything.”
This Offense will be Epic
According to Bischoff, Roman has described his vision for the offense as ‘epic.’ Bischoff expects few turnovers and high point totals, by being able to take advantage of defenses both through the air and on the ground.
“You want numbers that have never been seen before,” Bischoff said. “When it looks right, it’s a beautiful thing.”
They are looking for players to be “smart, tough, dependable, and vicious.”
Lessen Herbert’s Work Load
“Not everyone needs to function like Peyton Manning did to win football games,” said Andy Bischoff, Harbaugh’s run-game coordinator and tight ends coach. “Can [Herbert] do that? I mean, the guy’s brilliant. … This is a guy with rare intelligence.
“However, in our system of football, do we really need to put him under that much stress on every single down? The answer is ‘no.’ How do you do that? You have a balanced offense that brings out the greatest strengths in everyone.”
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