Mike McDaniel could be the offensive spark the Chargers need. His creativity, quarterback-focused schemes, and ability to maximize talent would unlock Justin Herbert and raise the offense’s ceiling. A bold move with championship upside.
If the Chargers truly want to maximize Justin Herbert and finally take the next step as a franchise, they should seriously consider hiring Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator.
McDaniel’s time as head coach of the Dolphins didn’t end the way anyone expected, but that shouldn’t erase what he is best at: designing elite offenses. As a play-caller and offensive architect, McDaniel has been one of the most creative minds in the NFL over the last several years. Putting him in a coordinator role — especially with a quarterback like Herbert — could be a game-changing move for the Chargers.
The biggest selling point is simple: McDaniel knows how to build an offense around his quarterback’s strengths. In Miami, he took a limited passer in Tua Tagovailoa and created one of the most efficient passing attacks in football. His scheme emphasized timing, spacing, motion and creating easy throws. Now imagine that philosophy applied to Herbert’s arm talent. The Chargers have spent years asking Herbert to carry the offense with pure ability. McDaniel would finally give him structure, rhythm and consistently favorable looks before the snap.
Creativity is another area where McDaniel would immediately upgrade the Chargers. Too often, this offense has looked predictable in big moments. Static formations, basic route concepts and a lack of imagination have been common themes, especially in playoff losses. McDaniel’s offenses are built on constant motion and misdirection, forcing defenses to communicate and make mistakes. Even when Miami struggled late in seasons, opposing defenses still had to account for one of the most stressful schemes in the league.
There’s also a natural fit with Jim Harbaugh. Harbaugh wants a physical, disciplined team with a strong run game foundation. McDaniel’s offense is rooted in the run as well, using zone concepts and deception to open up explosive plays. Harbaugh can establish the identity and culture, while McDaniel handles weekly game plans and play design. It’s a balance that allows both coaches to focus on what they do best.
McDaniel’s shortcomings in Miami weren’t about offense. They were about head coaching responsibilities — situational football, defensive issues and overall team management. As an offensive coordinator, those concerns largely disappear. He wouldn’t need to manage the entire operation, just put points on the board.
The Chargers don’t need a safe hire. They need a high-upside move that raises their ceiling and fully unlocks Herbert during his prime. Hiring Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator would do exactly that — and it might finally be the bold decision that changes this franchise’s trajectory.