The Chargers officially kicked off their offensive coordinator search today after parting ways with Greg Roman. Passing game coordinator Marcus Brady was Los Angeles' first interview for the vacant position.
At the Chargers' end-of-season media availability on Thursday, Jim Harbaugh said they want to cast a "wide net" in the search.
“We’re looking for the best one that has a track record, has proven success and can show us his vision for what our offense is going to look like and be like," Harbaugh said. In regards to differing offensive styles being considered: “A lot of ways to skin a cat," Harbaugh explained.
Different philosophies could possibly mean being willing to listen on a name like Dolphins Ex-HC Mike McDaniel. McDaniel has evolved the Shanahan offense in his own way. He achieves his goals on offense in a way that isn't necessarily aligned with Harbaugh's core philosophy.
Per ESPN's Jeff Darlington, the Chargers are amongst a group of teams that have interest in McDaniel:
"McDaniel is very coveted for a lot of these OC jobs," Darlington said. "When you look around the league, and you see Detroit's opening, you see this Eagles opening, the Tampa Bay Bucs, the LA Chargers. Those four jobs when it comes to offensive coordinators all have a different level of interest in McDaniel."
The Chargers are reportedly interested in Mike McDaniel
McDaniel has been interviewing for both vacant head coach and offensive coordinator positions since his firing in Miami. While the Chargers might not be amongst the favorites to land him, considering LA's offensive identity, he'd definitely be worth an interview.
McDaniel led Tua Tagovailoa to a transformative season in 2023 where he earned his first and only Pro Bowl nod. It doesn't take much of an imagination to start thinking about what he could do for QB Justin Herbert.
Assuming he doesn't get a head coaching position, Los Angeles will have to compete with several other teams for the services of McDaniel. He already interviewed in Detroit and has an interview scheduled with Tampa Bay later in the week. Early inside information from several national reporters also suggests Philadelphia is interested in McDaniel's services.
If the Chargers are looking for a proven "track record" as Harbaugh indicates, few candidates in this OC cycle can compete with McDaniel's resume in both San Francisco and Miami. It would certainly be one incredibly identity shakeup from what Greg Roman wanted to do on offense. But the Chargers could use that change maybe more than any other team in the NFL.