In two years as the offensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Chargers, Greg Roman has done almost nothing but disappoint. Between 2024 and 2025, the Chargers have been 20th and 12th in total offense, respectively, despite having an elite quarterback in Justin Herbert under center.
Claims can be made about the quality of weapons he has been given and the health and performance of the offensive line, but Roman has routinely failed to implement a thorough and schematically varied offense throughout his time in Los Angeles.
The loss to the New England Patriots isjust the latest additionto a long list of evidence of this failure.
Three points in a playoff game, no matter how you spin it, should be a fireable offense. Jim Harbaugh was intentionally noncommittal when asked about Roman's futureafter the game.
Here are four candidates who could replace Roman should the Chargers decide to move in that direction this offseason:
Best candidates for the Chargers' (possible) offensive coordinator opening
Mike McDaniel, Former Head Coach, Miami Dolphins
This one is a long shot, but it deserves to be on this list simply because of how tantalizing it is. McDaniel was recently fired by Miami after his second straight losing season, but the talent and football acumen are there.
The Dolphins had a top ten offense both through the air and on the ground in his first two seasons as head coach, and Tyreek Hill had his best season yardage-wise under McDaniel in 2023. He has experience working in a varied and imaginative offense, having spent time as the San Francisco 49ers run game coordinator and offensive coordinator prior to his stint in Miami.
In all likelihood, McDaniel will get another head coaching job this offseason. If he doesn't, the Charger could give him a chance to replenish his stock as a candidate.
Eric Bieniemy, Running Backs Coach, Chicago Bears
Now we're getting to the realistic candidates. Bieniemy spent five years as the offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs, calling plays jointly with Andy Reid. He then made a move to the Washington Commanders, where he was fired after just one season.
Yet Bieniemy has returned to the NFL, and he has begun reshaping his reputation with the Chicago Bears. Chicago's rushing offense has been one of the league's premier attacks over the back half of the season, and Bieniemy has quickly coached rookie back Kyle Monangai into an important contributor for the team.
His track record isn't great when he's unilaterally called plays. In fairness, however, that 2023 Commanders team had Sam Howell at quarterback.
If the Chargers want someone with experience both in a pass-heavy offense and with the run game, Bieniemy could be the guy to tap for a promotion.
Nate Scheelhaase, Passing Game Coordinator, Los Angeles Rams
Scheelhaase ascended to the NFL as a pass game specialist for the Rams in 2024 after rising through the college ranks. He was promoted to passing game coordinator in 2025.
With the addition of Davante Adams, the Rams offense has asolutely soared this season. They were first in the NFL in total passing yards, first in passing touchdowns, and third in net yards per attempt.
The Chargers attempted to implement a pass-heavy offense in 2025 under Roman, but it fell flat in part due to his inability to leverage different looks throughout games and make full use of the pass-catching weapons the team has in its arsenal. Scheelhaase could be a specialist pick to turn this around next season.
Kliff Kingsbury, Former Offensive Coordinator, Washington Commanders
Kingsbury had a rough year coordinating a beleaguered Commanders offense in 2025, and there is without a doubt blame to go around within that building.
Let's not forget, though, that the Arizona Cardinals had two of their best offensive seasons in recent memory with him at the helm and that Washington made the NFC Championship Game with him calling the plays.
Kingsbury was able to maximize Jayden Daniels' abilities in his rookie season, working with both limited pass-catchers and a sub-par running back room. That season, the Commanders were seventh in total offense.
Kingsbury is already interviewing for head coaching positions, so it remains to be seen whether he will be available as a coordinator or not. If he is, however, he could be the guy that could maximize Justin Herbert's abilities as a scrambler and as a gunslinger.