Greg Roman's seat isn't hot yet. However, if the LA Chargers continue to struggle offensively and end the 2025 season in the same fashion as 2024, even if it includes a playoff trip, Roman's days as offensive coordinator could end.
It goes without saying that fans haven't been thrilled with Roman as the team's offensive coordinator. Jim Harbaugh hired Roman when he made the jump back to the NFL in 2024 and the results have been a mixed bag. Justin Herbert has had some truly special moments, but the Chargers' offense has never stood out as a top-tier offense thanks to creative play-calling.
The Chargers have scored more than 23 points just once in five games in 2025. That's simply not good enough in a league where 23 points per game is the median. Long-lasting offensive struggles will test Harbaugh's loyalty, especially if pressure rains down from the front office and ownership if a big name becomes available.
And there definitely will be a big name available. Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is barreling toward being fired and while it hasn't worked out as a head coach, he would make a fantastic offensive coordinator for a quarterback of Herbert's caliber.
Chargers should replace Greg Roman with Mike McDaniel in a heartbeat if given the chance
McDaniel hasn't been officially relieved of his duties as Dolphins head coach but the writing is on the wall. His seat was already one of the warmest in the NFL and the Dolphins' slow start to the 2025 season has done nothing to help his cause.
A win over the Carolina Panthers in Week 5 may have at least bought McDaniel some extra time. Blowing a lead to fall to 1-4 on the season only hurt his future chances, and a loss to the Chargers in Week 6 could even be the final dagger.
McDaniel not working out as a head coach does not change the fact that he has all the makings of being a great offensive coordinator. He comes straight from the Kyle Shanahan tree and has piloted several successful offenses both in San Francisco and Miami. It wasn't long ago that he crafted what was viewed as an unstoppable Dolphins offense.
His overall leadership style as a head coach left far more to be desired. And he was hampered by the tools he had to work with in his offense as well. McDaniel made Tua Tagovailoa look far better than he ever had any business looking, and if it wasn't for McDaniel and Tyreek Hill, Tua might not even be a starter.
McDaniel would have far more to work with on the Chargers and would have the best pure passer in the sport to execute the offense. The sky truly would be the limit with Herbert in a Shanahan-style offense, and the Chargers have to see that vision.
Of course, it all depends on what happens over the course of the 2025 season. If the Chargers rebound from this two-game skid and snap the offense back into place, then Harbaugh may stay loyal to Roman to a fault.
However, the Chargers fans who don't believe in Roman also don't believe that will happen, which could force the Chargers' hand in making a change. With such a compelling option likely available, the Chargers would be doing a disservice if they don't at least consider it in 2026.