Mike McDaniel met with reporters for the first time in Southern California as the new Chargers Offensive Coordinator. In a lively 40-minute press conference, he touched on several points about his vision for the team.
One of the highlights was his enthusiasm for working with quarterback Justin Herbert. McDaniel expressed admiration for Herbert, noting that they spoke recently to discuss their goals for the offseason. “He was high spirits and excited about attacking something,” McDaniel said. It seems they both share a hunger for improvement after last season’s early playoff exit.
McDaniel believes Herbert has even more potential to unlock. Despite already being named to the Pro Bowl and throwing over 160 touchdown passes in his first six seasons, McDaniel thinks there’s still room for growth. “I don’t think he’s near the ceiling of what he’s capable of,” he remarked.
In the recent 2025 season, Herbert was remarkable, not just for his passing but also for his ability to scramble under pressure. He ran for nearly 500 yards but often ended up doing so out of necessity. McDaniel wants to change that by creating simpler plays that keep Herbert in rhythm. “It can be taxing over time for a player to rely on making heroic plays to win games,” he explained.
A significant focus of McDaniel’s offense is protecting Herbert. In 2025, he was sacked 54 times and faced a league-high 263 pressures. McDaniel insists it’s crucial to keep Herbert healthy throughout the season. He emphasized the need for better offensive execution to shield the quarterback from being vulnerable.
One way to achieve this, McDaniel suggested, is through quicker pass completions. He noted that these can frustrate defenses and minimize the impact of a strong pass rush. “The best blockers you can have are quick throws,” he said.
To sum it up, McDaniel is eager to set Justin Herbert up for success. He aims to minimize the pressure on him, allowing Herbert’s natural talent to shine. McDaniel ended with a strong note of excitement, saying, “I think his best football is in front of him, not behind him.”
As experts pointed out, shifting strategies could improve quarterback performance significantly. According to a recent survey by Pro Football Focus, simplifying offensive schemes can lead to higher quarterback ratings and fewer turnovers. This aligns with McDaniel’s plan to revamp the Chargers’ offense to harness Herbert’s skills effectively.
While the offseason is still ahead, the anticipation is building around how McDaniel and Herbert will transform the Chargers’ game.
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