Mike McDaniel’s introductory press conference offered a refreshing change for the Chargers. His emphasis on adaptability, accountability and easing Justin Herbert’s burden signals a much-needed offensive shift in Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles Chargers’ newest offensive coordinator, Mike McDaniel, was officially introduced Tuesday at The Bolt. Following a week of uncertainty, McDaniel finally put pen to paper to become the next coach tasked with maximizing an offense led by Justin Herbert. While introductory press conferences are often filled with coach-speak and empty platitudes, it was clear from the moment McDaniel spoke that he possesses the mindset needed to help get the Chargers over the playoff hump.
Mike McDaniel knocked his press conference out of the park. After two subpar offensive seasons under Greg Roman, Chargers fans were desperate for creativity, adaptability and accountability — three things that were sorely lacking in recent years. Roman’s offense too often felt rigid and predictable, and much of what plagued the unit during that stretch was directly addressed by McDaniel on Tuesday.
When asked about taking some of the burden off Justin Herbert’s plate, McDaniel said, “There’s a lot of incredible plays Justin has made. He’s firmly capable, and sometimes as a coach you can rely upon that a little too much.” That statement alone should feel like a breath of fresh air for Chargers fans. Far too often over the last couple of seasons, Herbert was asked to put on his superhero cape just to keep the offense afloat. Instead of building an offense that helped him thrive, the Chargers frequently relied on Herbert to erase schematic shortcomings.
One of those heroic moments came against McDaniel’s Dolphins earlier this season. When asked about that game, McDaniel joked, “If you can’t beat them, join them.” The lighthearted comment underscored something more important: McDaniel has already seen firsthand what Herbert can do when the structure around him falters — and he seems determined not to let that happen again.
That excitement appears to be shared by the franchise quarterback. McDaniel mentioned that he spoke with Herbert this week and said the quarterback sounded hungry to improve. Herbert has now lost three playoff games, including two straight in which the offense looked completely inept. McDaniel added that he is “geeked” to have the opportunity to push Herbert further than he’s ever been pushed before — a telling remark from a coach known for maximizing quarterback play.
One of the most interesting takeaways from Tuesday’s press conference was McDaniel’s discussion about his offensive vision. On the surface, there doesn’t appear to be much overlap between a Jim Harbaugh-led team and a Mike McDaniel-led offense. Naturally, questions remain about how those personalities and philosophies will coexist. However, McDaniel made it clear that he won’t simply be importing his Miami offense to Los Angeles. Instead, he emphasized building an offense around the Chargers’ personnel — not forcing players to fit a predetermined scheme.
That adaptability may be the most encouraging sign of all. The Chargers don’t need a replica of the Dolphins’ offense; they need one that accentuates Justin Herbert’s strengths, evolves week to week, and holds up in January. If McDaniel’s introductory press conference is any indication, the Chargers may finally have the right architect in place to make that happen.