Overview
- The Chargers hired Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator in May and began installing his offense during OTAs, with coaches and players running new wide-zone, play-action and RPO concepts.
- Players at Thursday’s OTA sessions praised McDaniel’s hands-on, quirky approach and said his energy is already spreading through the locker room, with linebacker Daiyan Henley describing frequent sideline interactions and lighthearted moments.
- The offensive shift is designed specifically to protect Justin Herbert by speeding decision-making and using motion and zone runs to lower time to throw and cut pressures that produced 54 sacks last season.
- On defense the staff was also reshaped after Jesse Minter’s exit to Baltimore, with Chris O’Leary named defensive coordinator and safety Derwin James signed to an extension to anchor the unit.
- The new scheme and personnel moves are now being evaluated in OTAs and will face fuller tests at mandatory minicamp and training camp before their impact can be measured in the regular season.