New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Reporter reveals Chargers' top head-coaching candidates

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 1/2/24

The Los Angeles Chargers are trying to nail their next head-coaching hire and have an eye on some notable targets.

Per Josina Anderson of CBS Sports, Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Eric Bienemy, Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh and New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick are on the Chargers' wish list.

I’m told the expectation at this time for the #Chargers is that they’ll run their head coach & general manager searches simultaneously, per source.

Some early names surfacing around the HC vacancy at this preliminary stage include Dan Quinn, Eric Bienemy, Jim Harbaugh &…
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) January 2, 2024

Belichick should be the top candidate. In 24 seasons with the Patriots, the future Hall of Famer has won six Super Bowls and Coach of the Year three times.

However, Anderson added another team is expected to show interest in Belichick. L.A. would also have to trade for the 71-year-old since he's still under contract with New England.

The Chargers need a fallback if they can't land Belichick; seeking experienced coaches is wise. Harbaugh led the 49ers to a Super Bowl XLVII berth while he was San Francisco HC from 2011-14 and has guided the Wolverines to three straight College Football Playoff appearances. Michigan reportedly offered him an extension with a no-NFL clause, though.

Quinn won Super Bowl XLVIII when he served as Seahawks DC and went 43-42 while he was Falcons HC from 2015-20. Bienemy has no HC experience, but he did win two Super Bowls in five seasons (2018-23) as Kansas City Chiefs OC.

Regardless, star quarterback Justin Herbert should help Los Angeles attract an elite HC. In four seasons, the 25-year-old has thrown 114 TDs, the fourth-most in the NFL during that span.

The Chargers whiffed when they hired Brandon Staley in 2021. In three seasons, he went 24-24, had no playoff wins and was fired after Week 15. The franchise must avoid making a similar mistake to maximize Herbert's prime.

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