All articles tagged with #mike mcdaniel
The NFL's 2026 Accelerator program returns with 34 coaches and executives, including Mike McDaniel and Eric Bieniemy, expanding open access to front-office development amid ongoing DEI scrutiny and political debate.
In rookie minicamp, Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel unveiled a plan to overhaul the offense around Justin Herbert, praising Herbert’s quick grasp of new coaching points and his willingness to try bold changes as the team shifts to a faster, more scheme-driven attack. McDaniel cited data showing Herbert thrives when time-to-throw is either very quick or extended, and he aims to improve the quick-game as part of an offense built to be “elite at everything.” The roster is undergoing turnover (nine new starters on a 16-man OL as they move from a gap to a zone scheme), and a young WR group—including Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, Brenen Thompson and others—will be asked to raise their production. Eight draft picks were on the field, with Herbert and the staff pushing for rapid mastery of the new system.
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, entering his seventh season, is being tasked by coach Mike McDaniel to truly own the position by refining quick-throw efficiency and maintaining his playmaking ability, with McDaniel saying Herbert is ready to embrace changes that could elevate him from good to elite after years of inconsistent postseason success.
At the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, Chargers GM Joe Hortiz stressed protecting Justin Herbert and upgrading the offense and O-line, praised Mike McDaniel as a high-energy hire who’ll be more involved in the draft, and signaled willingness to pursue multiple edge-rushers (Khalil Mack and Odafe Oweh) without tagging anyone. He noted Zion Johnson’s potentially strong free-agent market and discussed contract talks, while also introducing Chris O’Leary as the new defensive coordinator and play-caller, highlighting a zone-based approach that may shift how the Chargers evaluate players this offseason.
New Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel says his approach for Justin Herbert in 2026 is to reduce his workload with simpler, low-cost plays to keep him fresh for the big moments, aiming to avoid the costly clunkers of the playoffs; he plans to study Herbert's tape and build a scheme that lets the quarterback showcase his elite throwing ability when it's needed.
The Chargers introduced Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator and outlined a plan to lighten Justin Herbert’s load with quicker, high‑percentage throws and increased quarterback movement, blending Shanahan‑style outside-zone/boot concepts with Jim Harbaugh’s run‑first philosophy; the offense will be tailored to young weapons like McConkey and Hampton, while staff roles are still being filled and McDaniel hinted at future head‑coaching opportunities.
Chargers introduced Mike McDaniel as their new offensive coordinator and he used the session to outline an adaptable, quarterback-focused offense tailored to Justin Herbert. He stressed keeping Herbert healthy with quicker, high-percentage throws, a strong emphasis on the run game, and scheming around personnel to maximize space. McDaniel highlighted studying Herbert’s past tape to inform installs, balancing run and pass, and building a system that can evolve through December and January while pursuing championships alongside a Harbaugh-led coaching staff.
Chargers new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel says the team won’t rely on Justin Herbert’s extraordinary plays every snap, aiming to design an offense that eases his load with low-cost, high-reward concepts and leverages space created by defenses, so Herbert can excel when his talent is required while the unit remains complementary and protective.
The Los Angeles Chargers hired Mike McDaniel as their new Offensive Coordinator, signing the top play-calling candidate of the cycle. McDaniel’s proven resume includes back-to-back Dolphins playoff appearances and explosive offenses, plus San Francisco’s strong run game, suggesting he can elevate Justin Herbert and a weapon-rich roster as the Chargers pursue a dynamic offensive direction in 2026.
The Philadelphia Eagles reportedly interviewed Frank Smith, the Dolphins' former offensive coordinator, as a potential replacement for their OC after missing out on Mike McDaniel; the team is casting a wide net and weighing candidates with varied experience and schemes.
The Los Angeles Chargers officially hire Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator; the former Dolphins head coach will call plays for Justin Herbert after withdrawing from other head-coach opportunities.
The Los Angeles Chargers named Mike McDaniel their new offensive coordinator, hiring him from the Miami Dolphins where he coached for four seasons and helped post top offensive rankings; McDaniel has a long history with Kyle Shanahan’s staffs across multiple NFL teams, bringing a diverse, multi-scheme background to the Chargers.
After parting with the Dolphins, Mike McDaniel reportedly declined a Bills interview and remains in the AFC West spotlight, with the Las Vegas Raiders as the leading option and the Los Angeles Chargers as a fallback should a head coaching job not materialize.
Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley is reportedly naming Bobby Slowik their new offensive coordinator, a move that maintains continuity with the current staff and leverages Slowik’s rising status from the 49ers and Texans. Slowik, who has interviewed for other OC jobs (including Philadelphia) but is staying in Miami, would bring familiarity with Dolphins players and a system aligned with Hafley’s plans. The team is also weighing whether to keep offensive line coach Butch Barry, while evaluating defensive coordinator candidates as Frank Smith is effectively out.
Buffalo Bills’ search for an offensive-minded head coach continues after Mike McDaniel canceled his scheduled interview, with reports that he remains in contact but is likely set to join the Los Angeles Chargers as their next offensive coordinator if no head coaching vacancy materializes. Buffalo has already interviewed candidates Joe Brady and Brian Daboll and has upcoming interviews with Anthony Lynn and Grant Udinski.