Chargers Crisis: Herbert Regresses as McDaniel Struggles

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From Outspoken With Dan Sileo

Chargers’ 0-6 Start Raises Questions About Mike McDaniel, Justin Herbert and Jim Harbaugh

The Chargers entered the season with expectations of winning the AFC West, while Justin Herbert was viewed as a potential Most Valuable Player candidate. Instead, the situation has worsened every week.

Mike McDaniel’s arrival and pairing with Herbert were considered major offseason developments. The two appeared to work well together during training camp and spoke about their mutual respect, but the Chargers have since become one of the league’s worst offensive teams.

Herbert has regressed and thrown an interception in every game he has played this season. Although the offensive struggles are not solely McDaniel’s fault, the team may have to make a change at offensive coordinator. At 0-6 with no apparent light at the end of the tunnel, continuing with the same approach is difficult to justify.

Los Angeles NFL teams have a combined 2-10 record before Halloween. Despite rumors that Herbert could be traded after the season, the organization still appears to view him as a top-10 quarterback.

An overwhelming offer, such as three first-round draft picks or two first-round picks and a second-round pick, could potentially create a conversation. However, trading Herbert would suggest the organization believes the problems go deeper than the offensive coordinator.

Herbert’s decline has been difficult to explain. After playing consistently well through the first five or six years of his career, he is now making mistakes that even rookie quarterbacks do not make. While McDaniel may be fired, the issues do not appear to rest entirely with him.

Jim Harbaugh, meanwhile, is not considered to be on the hot seat. The Spanos family has a history of giving coaches time, including Brandon Staley, and Harbaugh has history with the franchise and has won 11 games over the past two seasons.

Harbaugh is expected to receive at least one more season, though another year like this could change the situation. The last time the Chargers began a season 0-6 was in 2000, when Harbaugh was their quarterback.

Rather than replacing Harbaugh, the organization is expected to demand significant staff changes and a solution to the team’s problems. The coordinators could be replaced, but Harbaugh is not expected to be fired.