Chargers have perfect offensive coordinator to replace Joe Lombardi

Joe Lombardi has become one of the most unpopular coaches in recent memory for LA Chargers fans. Fans have not liked how superstar quarterback Justin Herbert has seemingly gone backward in Lombardi's scheme, especially during the 2022 season.

In 2021, most of the complaints were about a lack of deep passes and they were not warranted. However, after seeing the offense take a step back in just about every measurable way this season, Lombardi's scheme and ability as a play-caller have been under the spotlight.

If the Chargers miss the playoffs (or even if they limp into the playoffs and get blown out in round one) there is going to have to be some kind of change in the offseason. The Bolts are unlikely to fire Brandon Staley with of how the organization operates, which leaves space to make changes at both offensive and defensive coordinator.

Making the decision even easier when it comes to the offense is the fact that the Chargers have a perfect candidate to come in and potentially replace Lombardi. Not only is it ideal for the Chargers but would be ideal for said coordinator. It really is a match made in heaven.

Frank Reich would be a home run hire for the LA Chargers.

Frank Reich is no stranger to the organization as he spent one season as the quarterbacks coach and two seasons as the offensive coordinator in the mid-2010s. His tenure looking back might not look the best but it was also muddied by Mike McCoy, who definitely bogged down the operations offensively.

Reich has since more than proved his value as an offensive mind in the league. He was a fantastic offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles during their Super Bowl season and did great work in Indianapolis given the circumstances.

No offensive coach in football had to deal with more hurdles offensively than Reich did with the Colts. Reich somehow maximized an offense that had to deal with the sudden retirement of Andrew Luck and a quarterback carousel in which an old Philip Rivers was the best of the bunch. He almost made the playoffs with Carson Wentz and actually made him look competent!

Reich confirmed that he wants to keep coaching next season but as many have pointed out, he probably is going to have to take a step back to being an OC in order to rehabilitate his name and eventually get a head coaching job in the future. That is typically how these things work in the NFL.

The Chargers would be a perfect team for Reich to do that. This offense has the weapons to be successful and under the right guidance, it should be one of the best in the entire league. This would be far better than him joining the staff of a team that is hoping to elevate a bad offense with little to no talent. If it is between a team like the Chargers or a team like the Patriots, the choice would be the Chargers every time.

This hire would also do wonders for Brandon Staley. Staley has seemed in over his head a few times (especially this season) and getting an established voice in the building could not only impact the offense but impact the overall operations of the team.

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After this kind of season, Staley should absolutely be open to that kind of partnership and what it would entail.