An optimist's guide to the 2024 Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers fell way short of expectations in 2023, but following coaching and roster changes, the team may rebound this upcoming season. 

Here are three reasons to be optimistic about the Chargers in 2024.

New head coach Jim Harbaugh  

The Chargers underachieved in three seasons under ex-HC Brandon Staley, going 24-24 and winning no playoff games. Things should change under Harbaugh, who has reinvigorated teams throughout his career.
While he served as San Francisco 49ers HC from 2011-14, Harbaugh went 44-19-1 and made Super Bowl XLVII. In nine seasons at Michigan, the 60-year-old guided the Wolverines to three College Football Playoff appearances and helped them end a 26-year national championship drought. 

It appears the Chargers are buying into Harbaugh's culture. On Monday, he told Chris Hayre of KCAL-TV in Los Angeles that nearly every player has attended the team's voluntary offseason program, which should give Los Angeles "an incredible edge."

Quarterback Justin Herbert may vault to the next level  

Herbert's still considered one of the most talented passers in the league, even though the former Offensive Rookie of the Year has yet to win a playoff game. 

Pro Football Focus' Trevor Sikkema rates Herbert as the fifth-best QB in the league, pointing out that he pushed the ball downfield more last season. In 13 games, the 25-year-old signal-caller posted an average target depth of 8.2 yards, the highest mark in his career.

Perhaps Harbaugh will help Herbert unlock his potential and become a bona fide MVP candidate. As of Tuesday, FanDuel gives him +1600 odds to win the award, tied with Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott for the eighth-best.

L.A. kept edge-rusher Khalil Mack   

Entering the offseason, the Chargers faced a dreadful salary cap situation, and some suggested they would trade eight-time Pro Bowler Mack to create more room. However, Mack agreed to restructure his deal.

Mack told The Athletic's Daniel Popper he considered retiring following a wild-card round loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022, but he came back and had a career resurgence. In 17 games last season, Mack finished fourth in the league in sacks (17) and tied for third in forced fumbles (five).

Mack turned 33 in February but has proved he's still an elite pass-rusher and could turn in another spectacular season. Popper noted, "I'll never doubt [Mack] again" after watching his film last season.