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Los Angeles Chargers: 3 Biggest Offseason Questions

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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Los Angeles Chargers: 3 Biggest Offseason Questions

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Craig Ellenport | Last updated Jun 25, 2026 7:30 AM ET

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With all 32 NFL teams just about done with OTAs and mandatory minicamps, Athlon Sports is going under the hood to see what key questions remain for each team before training camps open in July. These questions might not get answered at minicamps, but any opportunity for new coaches to get familiar with their roster, rookies to get a feel for life in the NFL and free agents to get comfortable with a new team can be helpful.

The focus today is on the Los Angeles Chargers. This team has gone 11-6 in each of their first two seasons under head coach Jim Harbaugh, but they’ve also lost back-to-back wild-card games. The Chargers haven’t won a playoff game since the 2018 postseason. Even with prolific quarterback Justin Herbert, the Chargers ranked 20th in scoring offense last season. The big problems were season-ending injuries to starting offensive tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt. Herbert spent most of the seaso running for his life.

SEE ALSO: 3 Biggest Questions Still Looming for All 32 NFL Teams

3 biggest offseason questions for the Los Angeles Chargers

What are the Chargers doing to avoid injuries?

There’s no telling what the Chargers could have done if the 2025 team was healthier. In addition to Slater and Alt going down, rookie running back Omarion Hampton — who was expected to be a major offensive weapon — missed seven games with multiple injuries. Hampton rushed for 643 yards and three touchdowns in limited action, adding 16 receptions for 136 yards and another score.

Harbaugh’s offseason focus was on learning best practices to get his players into position to optimize their health. Freak injuries are always going to happen, but Harbaugh brought in specialists to improve players’ sleeping habits — he specifically talked about circadian rhythm — as well as consultants to determine the optimal time of day for practice.

“That’s the overarching goal every offseason,” Harbaugh said during minicamp in early June. “To get your healthiest and best team to training camp. You want to get your healthiest and best team to Game 1. Can we do that better? … You’re always trying to find ways to be better and to get an edge.”

Don’t mistake Harbaugh’s approach with the idea he’s taking it easier on his team. Some bosses like to talk to their employees about “working smarter, not harder.” Well, Harbaugh’s mantra is working smarter and harder.

“Both,” he insisted. “Working harder and smarter. We feel like we can do both.”

Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel during offseason workouts at The Bolt. (Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)

How is the offense adjusting to new coordinator Mike McDaniel?

The Chargers bringing in former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel as the new offensive coordinator was one of the biggest hires of the offseason. Known as one of the most creative minds in the NFL, McDaniel getting to work with Herbert could produce big numbers. Harbaugh said he’s been pleased with Herbert’s ability to learn the new system.

“He’s picked it up,” Harbaugh said. “I had no real doubt that he would. … We are in a great place right now with Justin and Mike really on the same page.

“Mike has a really good way of talking and explaining things. Just really good with those words and he’s able to say it in a way that … made more sense than the way I was saying it.”

It’s not just the passing game. McDaniel had an explosive running game in Miami with fullback Alec Ingold blocking for De’Von Achane. Hampton is healthy and ready to take on the Achane role — and the Chargers signed Ingold in free agency to help.

What about new defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary?

The hiring of new defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary wasn’t met with the same excitement as the McDaniel hire. Nothing against O’Leary, who was the Chargers’ safeties coach in 2024 and defensive coordinator at Western Michigan last season. But he’s replacing highly touted DC Jesse Minter, who left to be the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens. For O’Leary, the offseason focus has been more about brotherhood than scheme.

Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. (3) reacts against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half at SoFi Stadium.Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

“A lot of what we spent time on,” O’Leary said, “and I think this applies from Pop Warner football all the way to the NFL is like, the team that plays together, cares about each other, does it for reasons that are selfless, I think those teams do special things.”

Having been the safeties coach in 2024, O’Leary knows the success of his defense hinges on Pro Bowl safety Derwin James. One of the league’s best “do it all” safeties, O’Leary foresees only subtle differences to what James already does.

“He’s gonna be a little bit more versatile,” O’Leary said. “In the sense of, ‘Is he to the field? Is he to the boundary? Is he blitzing? Is he covering?’ We’re gonna do all those things with him. … But as far as him being closer to the ball, the point of attack, we’re gonna keep doing those things with him. We’re excited to see what he can do.”

With Tuli Tuipulotu (13 sacks) and 35-year-old Khalil Mack leading the pass rush, O’Leary hopes to put even more pressure on opposing quarterbacks with first-round pick Akheem Mesidor. O’Leary has liked what he’s seen so far.

“He operates like a pro,” O’Leary said of the 22nd overall draft pick. “He’s detailed, he’s consistent, he’s mature. All of those things stand out. And when he gets on the field, he’s got a unique skill set. His pass rush ability, his hands, his technique, it’s something that we’re excited to see.”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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