The Chargers have yet to finalize their 2026 coaching staff under new coordinators Mike McDaniel and Chris O’Leary. Some of the overhaul has already been reported. Former Jets and Dolphins head coach Adam Gase will be joining the offensive staff in some capacity.
Western Michigan’s Sean Spence has reportedly been hired as ILBs coach after NaVorro Bowman’s departure. New assistants being onboarded, like Steelers former OLBs coach Denzel Martin, have also been reported.
What is not yet known is which 2025 staff members will be staying put with the Bolts. Per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, we’re starting to get some clarity on that front. On Thursday evening, Fowler reported that WRs coach Sanjay Lal and QBs coach Shane Day will remain in Los Angeles.
Mike McDaniel's Chargers staff as some key continuity
Neither coach staying with the Chargers is particularly surprising. Day returning to the Chargers in 2024 is something that QB Justin Herbert fought for. He was originally fired by head coach Brandon Staley after the Jacksonville Wild Card loss in the 2022-23 season. There was no doubt in my mind that Herbert’s closest confidant on the coaching staff would return. Clearly, that connection was important to McDaniel in building his offensive staff.
Lal has worked wonders with Quentin Johnston and his development since the 2024 season. He also engineered Ladd McConkey’s explosive rookie campaign. His track record of developing young receivers is what the Chargers will need to lean on. Rookie wideouts Tre’ Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith also showed flashes towards the end of last season.
Eventually joining Lal and Day will be new OL coach Butch Barry. Max McCaffrey is reportedly also coming to LA from Miami with McDaniel in some role. Running backs coach has been speculated.
There should be a final announcement on new staff hirings soon before the focus turns to free agency. Current Chargers TEs coach Andy Bischoff could be another name to watch as the team makes their final staffing decisions. Current RBs coach Kiel McDonald’s status is also in limbo.
O’Leary’s defense will also have to decide which 2025 staff they opt to retain in the same fashion as this latest McDaniel report.
The Chargers will be busy finalizing their staff in addition to next week’s NFL Combine and March’s free agency. A slew of cut candidates like RG Mekhi Becton, TE Will Dissly, and C Bradley Bozeman will have their fates decided as well. Joe Hortiz and Jim Harbaugh will have their work cut out for them.