When Mike McDaniel was with the 49ers in 2021, he developed coaching schemes that he later used to excel. The team also barely missed a Super Bowl birth. Can he do it again?
Mike McDaniel is going back to Cali. He's a branch off the Kyle Shanahan tree as a one-time San Francisco 49ers Offensive Coordinator. He will be looking to rekindle the Chargers' offense and ignite Justin Herbert's game.
Last time as a coordinator
Before joining the Dolphins, McDaniel was in charge of the 49ers' potent offense that reached the NFC Championship game, losing to that year's Super Bowl champion. Their division foes the Los Angeles Rams. It was a breakout year for Deebo Samuel, who racked up over 1,400 receiving yards, in part due to McDaniel's creativity. They won a respectable 10 regular-season games, and their offense was stellar all year.
The numbers behind the NFC championship run
The team ranked 7th in yards per game at over 375 per. They were also 7th in rushing at over 127, with Elijah Mitchell running for almost 1000 yards. Samuel rushed for 365 yards and a career-best 8 touchdowns himself as his position as "wide back" was birthed. He reached 6.2 yards per carry, and the 8 touchdowns are a league rushing record for a wide receiver.
In the passing game, they were also a decent 12th in passing and 13th in points scored. Jimmy Garoppolo had a passer rating right under 100 at 98.7.
An extension of the running game
The outside zone running scheme, which De'Von Achane and Raheem Mostert ran to perfection, especially during McDaniel's second year in Miami, also started here. In Shanahan's West Coast offense, motion and player movement complemented the short passing game, where Garoppolo showcased his accuracy.
Prospects for Los Angeles
While Garoppolo is serviceable, Herbert gives coach McDaniel a lot more to work with. McDaniel has already talked about making the quarterback's job easier. With news that McDaniel is bringing in his offensive line coach from Miami, Butch Barry, the new offensive coordinator seems to have a clear plan of action. The Chargers' leadership has previously stated that, since the season ended, they want to be excuse-free. It seems that the play-calling and offense in general will be in capable hands under their offensive coordinator's guidance.
Can Chargers nation get their hopes up?
Between Jim Harbaugh and McDaniel, who both have had stints in San Francisco, they have taken a team in California to a combined four championship games. The floor for the team should be a divisional round appearance next season. But knowing the competitors they have at the helm, they'll go all in for an even deeper run.