After the Chargers hit 0-4 vs. Seattle, Jim Harbaugh was asked whether OC Mike McDaniel's job was in jeopardy. "No, his job is not is not in jeopardy. He's a skilled coach and we're going to keep growing," Harbaugh said.
Afterwards, the team suffered two more embarrassing losses vs. AFC West opponents. The Chargers managed to score just six points vs. Kansas City. They're 32nd in offensive EPA. They have not been able to sustain a run game. QB Justin Herbert has more interceptions than touchdowns. Numbers, film, whatever you choose to look at-McDaniel's offense is failing.
Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh leaves the status of OC Mike McDaniel's job up in the air.
On Sunday after the loss to Kansas City, Harbaugh's tone started to change when asked about McDaniel:
Question to Jim Harbaugh: "I have to ask you point-blank. Is Mike going to continue calling plays?"
— Noah Furtado (@bynoahfurtado) October 19, 2026
Harbaugh: "We're going to look at everything. ... I feel bad for our players, our team, our coaches, our fans. And (the offense) needs to be addressed."
On Monday, Harbaugh was asked once again about the status of McDaniel as offensive coordinator and play caller:
"We're looking into everything at this point," Harbaugh explained. "And that process is ongoing. Particularly offensively, scoring more points. The different multiple, situational ways that we need to play more complementary football."
"0-6 does not give us the privilege to rule out anything at this point," Harbaugh responded to a follow-up question. "And we're looking into everything."
Buzz from multiple reporters about a potential firing of McDaniel percolated throughout the weekend. Both PFT's Mike Florio and NFL insider Ian Rapoport floated the possibility of passing game specialist Adam Gase taking over as Los Angeles' OC.
Nothing is imminent as the Chargers head into their BYE week. But Harbaugh has had multiple opportunities to throw his support behind McDaniel. It speaks volumes that he's decided not to.
Once the savior of the Chargers' offseason, McDaniel's status as LA's offensive coordinator seems tenuous at best. Even if the former Dolphins head coach does survive for the next few weeks, it's becoming difficult to see him lasting until the end of the season. Team health is working against McDaniel's chances, but the offense never found momentum prior to the injuries reaching their breaking point two weeks ago.
And the questions should go beyond McDaniel. If the team does fire another OC under Harbaugh and GM Joe Hortiz in this disastrous of a fashion, why should they get the chance to hire a third?
Herbert looks unrecognizable at times. It feels like every player on offense has regressed and taken a step back. They still commit bafflingly obtuse penalties. At some point, McDaniel's head will have to roll for this. As the Chargers' season slips away, it has become a matter of when as opposed to if.
During their bye week, the Chargers will have to make some tough decisions internally. McDaniel losing play calling duties seems like a plausible outcome after Week 6. Imagine telling someone that back in February.
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