Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh is sticking with offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel despite the team’s disappointing 0-6 start to the 2026 NFL season. Following a difficult opening stretch and a Week 7 bye, McDaniel will continue calling the offensive plays as the Chargers search for their first victory.
Harbaugh confirmed the decision on Wednesday, October 28, following an internal review of the team’s performance. The announcement comes amid growing questions about the Chargers’ offence, which has struggled to produce points and support quarterback Justin Herbert.
According to the NFL’s report on Harbaugh’s comments, the coaching staff reviewed its approach during the bye week before deciding to keep McDaniel in charge of play-calling.
Jim Harbaugh Backs Mike McDaniel After Chargers’ 0-6 Start
The Chargers entered their Week 7 bye without a win, putting pressure on the coaching staff to find answers. However, Harbaugh expressed confidence in McDaniel’s ability, effort and commitment to improving the offence.
The head coach also emphasised that the organisation used the break to examine areas where it could perform better. Rather than making an immediate change to the play-calling structure, the Chargers chose to continue working with McDaniel.
That decision gives the offensive coordinator another opportunity to address the problems that have affected the team’s opening six games.
Harbaugh’s support does not erase the pressure surrounding the offence. The Chargers need better results, and their upcoming performances will be important in determining whether the changes made during the bye produce meaningful improvement.
Chargers’ Offence Has Struggled to Score
Los Angeles has had difficulty finding consistency on offence throughout the first six weeks of the season. The team averaged just 15 points per game entering the bye, ranking near the bottom of the NFL in scoring.
The problems became particularly visible in Week 6 against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chargers scored only six points in a 22-6 defeat, finishing another game without the offensive production needed to secure a win.
The team’s official website reported that the Chargers were also struggling to move the ball efficiently and convert their opportunities into points. Those issues have made the offence a central focus of the team’s bye-week evaluation.
What Needs to Improve?
The Chargers need to make progress in several areas:
- Scoring production: The offence must generate more points and take better advantage of scoring opportunities.
- Consistency: More reliable execution on early downs could help the team avoid difficult third-down situations.
- Quarterback protection: Keeping pressure off Herbert would give the passing game more time to develop.
- Decision-making: Reducing costly mistakes and turnovers will be important as the team tries to end its losing streak.
These are key areas to watch as McDaniel continues to lead the offence.
Justin Herbert’s Numbers Add to the Pressure
Quarterback Justin Herbert remains central to the Chargers’ offensive plans, but his performance through six games reflects the team’s struggles.
According to NFL.com statistics, Herbert had thrown eight interceptions through the first six games of the 2026 season. He had also recorded five touchdown passes, leaving the Chargers looking for greater efficiency in the passing game.
Herbert’s difficulties cannot be separated from the team’s broader offensive problems. Protection, play design, execution and quarterback decisions can all affect a passing attack. The available statistics alone do not establish that any single factor is responsible for the team’s poor start.
McDaniel joined the Chargers with a reputation for offensive creativity after serving as the Miami Dolphins’ head coach. His challenge now is to turn that expertise into consistent production with Herbert and the rest of the Los Angeles offence.
Why the Chargers Are Keeping McDaniel as Play-Caller
The decision to retain McDaniel suggests Harbaugh believes the existing coaching structure can still deliver better results.
Changing play-callers during a difficult season can create disruption, particularly when players are still learning an offensive system. Keeping McDaniel in the role allows the Chargers to work on their execution without introducing another immediate change.
However, continuity will matter only if the offence improves. The Chargers are 0-6, and their margin for error is shrinking as the season progresses.
The team’s bye-week review reportedly involved examining multiple parts of its operation, rather than focusing exclusively on one coach. That broader approach may give the staff a clearer picture of the adjustments needed.
What Comes Next for the Chargers?
The Chargers are scheduled to return from their bye in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Rams. The matchup will offer the team an opportunity to test its adjustments against another NFL opponent.
For McDaniel, the priority will be helping the offence start faster, sustain drives and convert opportunities into points. Herbert’s decision-making and the team’s ability to protect the quarterback will also be important factors.
Harbaugh has made his immediate decision: McDaniel will continue calling plays. The next step is turning that confidence into results on the field.
The Chargers’ 0-6 record has made the situation urgent, but no further change to the offensive leadership has been announced. For now, McDaniel remains responsible for guiding the offence as Los Angeles tries to get its season back on track.
