The Los Angeles Chargers made a big change for the offense next season. Former Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert is the focal point.
Former Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert will enter 2026 looking for his first postseason win.
Herbert is 0-3 in the postseason with the Los Angeles Chargers, including a 16-3 loss to the New England Patriots in the wild-card round.
Herbert had to do it all but took a beating against the Patriots. The 2020 first-round pick threw for 159 yards and rushed for another 57 yards.
Following the loss, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh decided the offense needed to go in a different direction in his third season with the team. He fired offensive coordinator Greg Roman and offensive line coach Mike Devlin.
Harbaugh hired former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel as his offensive coordinator for 2026. McDaniel should help devise offenses that better feature the arm talent of Herbert.
During his introductory news conference this week, McDaniel told reporters that Herbert has the ability to keep defenses on their toes because of his mobility.
"I think with a skillset such as Justin's, you can do a lot of things on the ground and in the air that can really put defenses in a bind," McDaniel said, via USA Today.
"I think there's a lot of tools in place, I think it's important to have a good offseason, which we plan to do, and I think what you're working with is something that will be unique to its own."
Herbert threw for 3,727 yards, 26 touchdowns and 13 interceptions during the regular season. He added a career-high 498 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
McDaniel put Herbert on notice, saying the quarterback has yet to reach his top potential in the league.
"I think he hasn't neared the ceiling of what he's capable of, he can make every throw," McDaniel said.
"But as a competitor, you can tell he enjoys what the National Football League and franchise quarterback, all the burden that is the responsibility of touching the ball every play and need to be your best when your best is required."
The pairing of McDaniel and Herbert could lead to postseason success next year. Herbert's protection should be better next season, with a healthy offensive line.