Chargers set to bring on ex-Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator

The Los Angeles Chargers are set to hire former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel as their new offensive coordinator. McDaniel, known for his offensive expertise, will look to revamp the Chargers' offense and help quarterback Justin Herbert reach his full potential. This move follows McDaniel's departure from Miami after a disappointing 2025 season.

Mike McDaniel is reportedly on the verge of taking a new step in his coaching career. The former Miami Dolphins head coach is set to be hired by the Los Angeles Chargers as their offensive coordinator. McDaniel's sudden departure from Miami, which had raised questions throughout the sports world, now appears to have taken a definitive turn with this new opportunity in Los Angeles.

According to recent reports, McDaniel is nearing an agreement with the Chargers, with the team making a strong push to bring him aboard. Management has already scheduled a dinner meeting with McDaniel in Los Angeles to further discuss the terms of his potential hiring. McDaniel, after his firing from Miami, has made it clear to other interested teams, including the Cleveland Browns, that he does not plan to pursue any openings with them. Despite being let go by the Dolphins, McDaniel remains a highly coveted coach, drawing attention from across the NFL. The Ravens, Raiders, Browns, and Buccaneers all expressed interest in his services, whether as a head coach or as a strategic leader on the sidelines. McDaniel's momentum is undeniable, and the Chargers appear to be his most likely landing spot.

If McDaniel officially joins the Chargers as their offensive coordinator, his primary challenge will be to improve the team's offense, which has struggled in recent postseason appearances. Despite securing playoff berths under head coach Jim Harbaugh in both 2024 and 2025, the Chargers were eliminated in the wild-card round in each year due to subpar offensive performances. In 2024, they were crushed by a 32-12 loss to the Houston Texans, and in 2025, they were held to just three points in a 16-3 defeat against the New England Patriots. Following their second consecutive playoff exit, the Chargers made changes to their coaching staff, firing offensive coordinator Greg Roman and offensive line coach Mike Devlin. McDaniel would inherit the responsibility of revamping the Chargers' offense, aiming to not only return to the playoffs but to make a deep run in the postseason.

One of the biggest questions surrounding McDaniel's potential hiring is his ability to help quarterback Justin Herbert reach the next level. Herbert had a remarkable 2024 season, throwing 227 passes with impressive efficiency, including 23 touchdowns and only three interceptions. The 2025 season saw Herbert make his second Pro Bowl appearance, throwing for 232 yards with 26 touchdown passes, but also suffering from 13 interceptions. Despite the high level of performance, Herbert's inconsistency raised concerns. The Chargers' offensive line struggles also played a role in his challenges. The absence of key players like Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater, who was injured in 2025, left the team vulnerable, and the Chargers' playoff collapse was, in part, due to a lack of protection for Herbert. McDaniel's success with Herbert will depend on the recovery and improvement of the offensive line, which is critical to unlocking Herbert's full potential as a franchise quarterback.

McDaniel's abrupt departure from Miami came after a disappointing 2025 season in which the Dolphins failed to make the playoffs for the second consecutive year. Despite a strong finish to the season, Miami finished with a 7-10 record, leaving McDaniel with little room for survival. Much of Miami's offensive struggles were attributed to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who was benched for the final three games of the season. McDaniel's potential move to Los Angeles will now place him in a similar situation, working with Herbert, who was drafted just one pick after Tagovailoa in the 2020 NFL Draft. Both quarterbacks were highly regarded prospects in the same class, and McDaniel, known for his offensive expertise, will have the opportunity to work with one of the league's brightest young quarterbacks.

McDaniel first gained recognition as an offensive innovator during his time as the offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers under head coach Kyle Shanahan. His success in San Francisco played a significant role in the Dolphins' decision to hire him as their head coach in 2022. McDaniel's offensive strategy, which was characterized by explosive, well-designed attack formations, earned him a reputation as one of the top minds in football. With his arrival in Los Angeles, McDaniel will bring this expertise to the Chargers, who are looking to revamp their offense under his guidance. The Chargers hope that McDaniel's ability to maximize Herbert's talent, combined with his offensive pedigree, will help the team take the next step toward championship contention.

Looking ahead, the Chargers are optimistic that McDaniel's coaching can help them overcome their recent postseason struggles and unlock the full potential of Justin Herbert. With high expectations placed on him, McDaniel steps into the role of offensive coordinator, tasked with transforming the Chargers into a formidable offensive force capable of challenging for the Super Bowl. The pairing of McDaniel's offensive acumen and Herbert's talent offers hope for a brighter future in Los Angeles as the Chargers aim to build a championship-caliber team.

Sources:

• Reuters: Reports: Mike McDaniel set to become Chargers' offensive coordinator
• Yahoo Sports: Chargers expected to make Mike McDaniel new OC
• Sports Illustrated: What’s Going on with Mike McDaniel and the Chargers?
• Chargers reportedly expected to hire former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator