The Los Angeles Chargers may need to at least begin considering a coaching change at the end of the 2026 season, as Jim Harbaugh starting the year 0-4 has inflamed a previously mild hot seat.
The Chargers are an interesting evaluation for a prospective coach. Justin Herbert has been terrible this year, but he's still got all the talent in the world. The defense is way too talented to be playing like this, and the cap space situation is quite desirable.
These six names need at be at the forefront of LA's mind, especially with Harbaugh's grip on this job loosening with each embarrassing performance.
6 Jim Harbaugh replacements Los Angeles Chargers must consider after 0-4 start
6. Grant Udinski, OC, Jacksonville Jaguars
Udinski has never called plays in the NFL, and he is only 30 years old. However, his time as an understudy for both Liam Coen and Kevin O'Connell has helped him immerse himself in the strategy of two brilliant offensive minds. He has a head coach job lined up for him at some point, and the Chargers may need to pounce quickly.
5. Rob Leonard, DC, Oakland Raiders
Klint Kubiak is getting the hype, but Leonard has been a miracle worker for a 3-1 Raiders defense. If he can install the same aggressive style and pass rush that has revitalized the Chargers' division rivals, LA might be able to get back on the right track. He may not be Jesse Minter, but he's close.
4. Brian Fleury, OC, Seattle Seahawks
The last Seahawks coordinator who got a head coaching job in Klint Kubiak seems to be putting forth a fantastic effort. Why not try to pull from the same well with Fleury. Even though he is a first-time OC, Fleury spent years as both a defensive and offensive assistant under Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco.
3. Sean McDermott, former HC, Buffalo Bills
McDermott will likely get some very intriguing head coach offers around the NFL during the next hiring cycle, and the Chargers present a very appealing situation to walk into. They have a quarterback, oodles of cap space, and the willingness to give McDermott free autonomy over the defense. If nothing else, McDermott is a high-floor option with a history of turning his teams into winners.
2. Kliff Kingsbury, Assistant HC, Los Angeles Rams
Kingsbury looked like the answer for the Arizona Cardinals once upon a time, but injuries and a lack of adjustments cost him. He might be ready for a second crack at being a head coach, this time with a higher-upside quarterback. His offense seems to be more attuned to the modern game than whatever Mike McDaniel is trying.
1. Brian Flores, DC, Minnesota Vikings
Flores may be the most likely candidate to get another head coaching gig after turning Minnesota into a lethal, aggressive defense during their 4-0 start. Coaching with Herbert, even in a down year, could be appealing for a coach who did some good things with the Miami Dolphins, yet was let down due to poor quarterback play.
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