Chargers Sticking With Mike McDaniel As Play-Caller

Jim Harbaugh said changes on offense would be considered, but the third-year Bolts HC is sticking with the play-caller he hired this offseason. Mike McDaniel will call plays for the team in Week 8, Harbaugh said Wednesday (via The Athletic’s Noah Furtado). A bailout on this plan after six weeks would be deemed quick, but given what has transpired, such a move would have been understandable.

Justin Herbert has gone from a Pro Bowl-level quarterback to one that holds the bottom ranking in QBR entering Week 8. And Herbert’s 29.3 QBR figure is well behind the second-worst option on the list, making for a shocking turn of events when factoring in the passer’s talent level and performance to date.

Herbert produced 11th- and 13th-place QBR finishes in Greg Roman’s offense, faring even better under Joe Lombardi. The 2021 AFC Pro Bowl starter — a rather difficult race to win — leads the NFL with eight interceptions despite having played only six games. The McDaniel fit has been a spectacular dud so far.

The most popular coaching candidate this offseason, McDaniel interviewed for 10 jobs while on the HC and OC carousels. The Chargers won out for the four-year Dolphins HC’s services, but rather than deliver an immediate spike in offensive production like he did with the Dolphins upon arrival, the ex-Kyle Shanahan assistant represents the clear variable in this mess.

The Chargers limped to the playoffs last season despite Joe Alt missing most of the campaign and Rashawn Slater all of it. The tackles are out of the equation presently, though Alt is likely to return before Slater, and Ladd McConkey has played sparingly due to injuries. But these issues are not obstacles Herbert hasn’t overcome in the past. The Bolts were 11th in points scored in 2024 and 20th in 2025. They are last right now, claiming the No. 32 spot in EPA per play as well.

Harbaugh not making a notable change coming out of the bye is a bit surprising, as he has never endured a losing season as an NFL head coach. McDaniel simplifying his offense to help his troops may well occur, but the scrutinized play-caller will assuredly be on the hot seat moving forward. Barring a radical turnaround, McDaniel is likely heading back to the coaching carousel in 2027.