Jim Harbaugh hires a Justin Herbert favorite as Chargers' QB coach
LA Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh continues to build his offensive coaching staff. After hiring Greg Roman as the new offensive coordinator and Marcus Brady as the passing game coordinator, the Chargers got Justin Herbert-worthy quarterbacks coach.
NFL insider Mike Garafolo reported that Shane Day will be the Los Angeles QB coach once again. Day succeeded as the Texans' senior offensive assistant last season. For instance, rookie QB C.J. Stroud–offensive rookie of the year winner–led Houston to the AFC South title and reached the divisional playoffs round. Additionally, the Texans finished top 5 in passing yards in 2023, despite Stroud sitting out two games with a concussion.
The #Chargers are bringing back Shane Day as QBs coach on Jim Harbaugh’s coaching staff, sources say. Day was with the #Texans this season after serving as pass game coordinator and QB coach for Justin Herbert in 2021-22. Herbert’s a big fan. pic.twitter.com/hXb6WVzE4r
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 8, 2024
Though head coach DeMeco Ryans and highly-coveted OC Bobby Slowik received all the spotlight, Shane Day influenced Stroud's development. Even more so considering he was the Chargers' QB coach for two of the first three years of Justin Herbert's NFL career.
He finished second in passing yards in 2021 and 2022, while also finishing top ten in passing touchdowns. On the other hand, Herbert improved his completion percentage from 65% to 68% in those two years, raking 3rd in 2022. Although Justin did not have a top ten quarterback rating, he scored a decent 90+ rating each season. He had an exceptional 2022 season despite fracturing his rib cartilage.
Shane Day is the Chargers' bridge between Justin Herbert and Jim Harbaugh's offense
Shane Day will complement Jim Harbaugh and OC Greg Roman's offensive plans. He must finish developing Herbert's passing skills, as his biggest criticism–being 6"6–is his batted passes. Day will help Justin study opposing defenses to run the ball, as OC Greg Roman will likely use him as a "dual-threat" QB (given his background with mobile quarterbacks).
Herbert knows him well, and that's crucial to bringing him back, plus they have a good relationship. Therefore, Day will be the bridge between Justin Herbert and the new Jim Harbaugh-led coaching staff.
In a world where Justin Herbert will be on his 8th or 9th offensive coordinator/system in about as many years since Oregon, I think brining back Shane Day is helpful for familiarity.
— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) February 9, 2024
Not bad to have someone on the staff who he clearly had a good relationship with at least.
Finally, Day should also find a quality backup QB. Former TCU's Max Duggan is on the roster, but he hasn't played a single snap in the NFL. Therefore, he is not ready to be the second-string quarterback. They need to sign a proven backup in case Herbert goes down again. As a matter of fact, the Chargers could re-sign free agent Easton Stick, as he played decently down the stretch last season.
Next. Bold predict. Bold predictions for Harbaugh's first offseason in LA. dark