The NFLPA’s annual player report cards have leaked, and the Chargers have once again shown just how dramatic their two-year turnaround has been in the eyes of their players. In 2024, the Chargers ranked 30th out of 32 teams, grading out as one of the worst organizations in the league.
By 2025, they had skyrocketed to fifth overall, a climb fueled largely by the arrival of Jim Harbaugh, Joe Hortiz, and the staff they assembled to put into a new world-class training facility. 2026 has the Chargers falling back to 15th overall in the league, and one reason for the drop should not be a surprise.
Interestingly, while Jim Harbaugh received a somewhat lower grade than some may have expected, he was not the lowest-graded coach in the building. That distinction belonged to former offensive coordinator Greg Roman. Harbaugh ultimately made the decision to move on, and the report card results only reinforce why that choice was necessary.
Greg Roman’s NFLPA grade was both telling and completely justified
For his services this past season, Roman received a D- from the players. Some fans might even argue that the grade was generous. While the specific written feedback has not yet been released, past player critiques of coaching staffs often revolve around time management, communication, and whether players feel heard in key decisions. If similar frustrations existed this year, they would align with what unfolded on the field.
Too often, the offense felt disconnected from its personnel strengths. When things worked, they worked in short bursts. Kimani Vidal showcased his ability to create on outside runs, yet the offense repeatedly leaned into predictable interior carries.
Route technicians like Ladd McConkey and Keenan Allen, players built to win quickly underneath, were too frequently deployed in ways that required longer-developing plays behind a collapsing pocket. The disconnect between scheme and skill set was difficult to ignore.
Greg Roman ultimately lost his job, and not many were surprised. The Wild Card performance alone was enough to raise serious concerns, not to mention the inconsistencies that defined much of the regular season. Now, with the players’ grades public, it is clear that the frustration extended beyond the fan base. The locker room saw it the same way.
Harbaugh responded by bringing in Mike McDaniel to reset the offense and better align scheme with talent. On the other side of the ball, Jesse Minter received an A+ from the players, a stark contrast that speaks volumes. One coordinator elevated his unit and earned widespread respect and a premier head coaching position. The other struggled to connect with his players and paid the price.
The Chargers’ organizational turnaround is real. But this report card makes one thing clear: even within a vastly improved culture, players still recognize when something is not working. Fortunately for Los Angeles, that issue has already been addressed.