Despite 11 wins and playoff success, questions remain about Greg Roman’s future as Chargers offensive coordinator. With a stagnant run game and Justin Herbert taking too many hits, has Roman done enough to earn a third season in Los Angeles?
The Los Angeles Chargers are beginning their Super Bowl quest on Sunday as they prepare to take on the New England Patriots. Despite a slew of injuries, Justin Herbert and the Chargers have managed to reach 11 wins for the second consecutive season. While they have an opportunity to extend their season with a playoff victory, another first-round exit would inevitably lead to some uncomfortable conversations within the organization.
One of those conversations should center on the future of offensive coordinator Greg Roman.
It is no secret that head coach Jim Harbaugh and Roman share a long-standing relationship, having previously coached together with both the San Francisco 49ers and at Stanford. Harbaugh brought Roman to Los Angeles with the belief that his trusted lieutenant could help build a physical, championship-caliber offense around Herbert. As the Chargers near the end of their second season under this regime, the question becomes unavoidable: has Greg Roman earned the opportunity to return for a third year?
From the outset, Roman’s hiring was met with skepticism among Chargers fans. When Harbaugh left Michigan for the NFL, many hoped the Spanos family would pair Justin Herbert with a modern, innovative offensive coordinator capable of fully unlocking his generational arm talent. Instead, Harbaugh opted for familiarity, choosing Roman to help establish a dominant rushing attack that would complement Herbert’s abilities and create balance on offense.
That vision, however, has largely failed to materialize.
The Chargers’ rushing attack has been underwhelming throughout Roman’s first two seasons. While the offensive line has struggled to create consistent running lanes, Roman was brought in specifically to maximize the talent available. To this point, the run game has been more of a liability than a strength, putting the offense in too many predictable and unfavorable situations.
More concerning is that the Chargers’ overall offensive success has not matched their win total. Much of the team’s regular-season success can be attributed to Jesse Minter’s hard-nosed, disciplined defense and the individual brilliance of Justin Herbert. Too often, the offense has looked disjointed, stale or unable to adjust when faced with adversity. Roman has struggled to scheme around roster deficiencies, and the lack of creativity has been glaring.
Herbert, in particular, has paid the price. The franchise quarterback has taken more hits this season than any other quarterback in the league. While offensive line coach Mike Devlin deserves some of the blame, Roman has failed to consistently put Herbert in advantageous positions. Quick throws, misdirection and modern spacing concepts have been sporadic at best, leaving Herbert exposed and forcing him to play hero ball far too often.
Ultimately, Greg Roman’s fate may hinge on what happens in the playoffs. A deep postseason run fueled by offensive efficiency and balance could justify continuity. However, if the Chargers are eliminated early and the offense once again sputters under pressure, it will be difficult to argue that Roman has done enough to warrant another season.
The Chargers are built to win now. Justin Herbert is in his prime, the defense is championship-ready and the margin for complacency is slim. Loyalty and familiarity can only go so far in a league defined by innovation and adaptability. If the Chargers fall short of their goals, the organization must seriously consider whether Greg Roman is the right architect to lead an offense capable of delivering a Super Bowl—or if it’s time to turn the page.