Jim Harbaugh Defends Mike McDaniel Amidst Chargers' Rough 0-4 Start
Head coach expresses confidence in offensive coordinator despite team's struggles and calls for change.
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh has publicly backed offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, stating that McDaniel's job is not in jeopardy despite the team's challenging 0-4 start to the season.
The Chargers suffered a 30-23 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, marking another game where the offense struggled to gain traction. Quarterback Justin Herbert threw two more interceptions, bringing his season total to six, and the team was sacked four times.
The hiring of McDaniel, formerly the head coach of the Miami Dolphins, had generated considerable excitement and high expectations for the 2026 season. However, after just four games, the team's performance has led to some calls for staff changes.
"No, his job is not in jeopardy," Harbaugh stated after Sunday's game. "He's a skilled coach and we're going to keep growing."
Herbert, who has been sacked 12 times this season, the second most in the NFL, also defended McDaniel. "I think (McDaniel) is the greatest and I want to make him proud and do everything I can to pick up the offense and do exactly what he asks," Herbert said. "But I think we've just got to go make plays. I've got to make plays out there and haven't done that, but I know we'll get it next time."
Despite trailing 13-3 at halftime with only 92 net yards on offense and two interceptions from Herbert, the Chargers showed signs of life in the second half, accumulating 209 total yards and scoring two touchdowns. Herbert completed 19 of 31 passes for 189 yards, with two interceptions and one lost fumble. His first-half statistics were significantly lower, with just five completions for 36 yards.
On the final drive, with a chance to tie the game, Herbert lost a fumble after being sacked at the Seahawks' 20-yard line, effectively sealing the victory for Seattle. The Chargers also had another lost fumble during the game.
"I think there were a lot of good things in the second half," Herbert commented. "I appreciated the battle and the fight from everyone, and being able to string out some of those long drives is really important for us and hopefully that's something we can build off of."
Herbert's current season statistics, including a 59.7 completion percentage and a 70.6 passer rating, are considerably below his career averages. His first play from scrimmage on Sunday resulted in an interception, followed by another interception near the end of the second quarter.