Jim Harbaugh demands accountability from his coaches in both the postseason and the regular season. Changes are coming in L.A.
Continuity versus disruption, the Chargers' postseason loss means there will be new faces next year.
It was big news that the Chargers' Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman was let go. As Jim Harbaugh indicated in his end-of-season press conference, "there's the regular season, and then there's the postseason". That level of accountability required from the top of the organization will keep everyone on their toes. After a year where Justin Herbert was battered behind an offensive line limited by devastating injuries, the team fired their offensive line coach as well. The new offensive line coach will have significantly more to work with as Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt return. No matter what, they couldn't continue to let Herbert get hit more than any QB and forced out of the pocket so much that he led the league in scramble yards.
Add to that the news that multiple NFL teams are courting Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter, and it becomes clear that there will be new voices in L.A. The defense more than held its own all year, so this could be a significant downgrade. Even in their Wildcard loss to the Patriots, the unit gave up only 16 points to Drake Maye and his 72% completion rate. A team set to go play Denver at Mile High, minus Bo Nix, for a chance at a Super Bowl appearance. A double-headed monster at running back in Rhanmondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson, playmakers like Stefon Diggs on the outside, and it was the Chargers' lack of offensive juice that lost them the game.
With big-name candidates in play to replace Roman, the Chargers are set for a no-excuse 2026 where the accountability Harbaugh preaches will apply just as much to him and his star quarterback.
For now, they'll have to live with a season of "what could have been" while they lick their wounds. This offseason, they're set to retool on the coaching front, on the offensive line, and at the wideout position. The receiver spot certainly stands out as a spot they could get help for Herbert with a lack of a true number one and inconsistent complementary players.
Health at running back will be key to taking some pressure off of Herbert and for a more balanced attack. As teams remaining in the playoffs, like the Patriots and Seahawks, have shown, two threats in the backfield can really boost an offense. It will be interesting to see how the Chargers fill their vacancies.