The Los Angeles Chargers' horrendous 0-6 start not only makes them the only team with that dubious record on their ledger, but it comes in a year where many believed Jim Harbaugh was capable of leading this team deep into the postseason.
As bad as things are right now, the Chargers are not in a position where these struggled are going to keep them down for years. A few timely moves can get them back on the right track.
These six steps could get the Chargers back on track in the short and long-term future, all without getting rid of Justin Herbert.
6 steps to fixing the Los Angeles Chargers after 0-6 start
1. Take play-calling away from Mike McDaniel
It's just not working. The guy thought to be an offensive cheat code once upon a time is floundering with Herbert. On top of the talent deficiency, McDaniel's timing-based offense and inability to run the football (an alleged specialty) is not meshing with Herbert's strengths as a passer. Passing game coordinator Shane Day is a logical replacement that avoids the dreaded need to lean on Adam Gase.
2. Lean into the Omarion Hampton experience
The Chargers have no consistency with how they use their backs, especially after investing a first-round pick in Hampton recently. Rather than trying to force Kimani Vidal or Keaton Mitchell into a role they are unequipped for, why not ride or die with someone who was drafted to touch the ball between 20 and 25 times every game?
3. Fire Jim Harbaugh if he finishes with fewer than five wins
Harbaugh may get another chance to show that this season was a fluke, but he is running out of time. If he can clean up the mistakes in areas where his teams are almost always precise, like fourth down and many of the procedural aspects that have plagued this group in 2026, while going over .500 the rest of the way, he can stick.
4. If Harbaugh is fired, look for an offensive coach
While some fans may have PTSD about hiring an offensive whiz kid after McDaniel flopped so catastrophically, the North Star this team needs to lean on in the next few years is figuring out how to get Herbert back on the right track. That comes with a young coach who is properly attuned to the modern game.
5. Add Jeremiah Smith and an offensive lineman in the NFL Draft
Smith is such a terrific wide receiver prospect that he may be the first since Keyshawn Johnson to go No. 1 overall. If he's within LA's striking distance, they should sprint the card to the podium. With their first second-round pick, LA needs to bring in the best offensive lineman on the board, preferably on the interior. Iowa's Kade Pieper and Minnesota's Greg Johnson would be the dream candidates.
6. Splurge on a cornerback in free agency
The Chargers have the ability to bring in a defensive back of some repute, though that has been true for past seasons. While they might be scared by the JC Jackson catastrophe from years ago, the Chargers may be able to make a savvier investment by going all-in on someone like Cincinnati's DJ Turner or Carolina's Michael Jackson.
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