Mike McDaniel Aims to Unlock Justin Herbert’s Full Potential

The Los Angeles Chargers’ new offensive coordinator, Mike McDaniel, announced that he plans to upgrade quarterback Justin Herbert‘s game in the upcoming season. The former Miami Dolphins head coach joined the Chargers in the offseason, taking over from Greg Roman.

In six seasons, Herbert has led the Chargers into three playoffs, but he hasn’t been able to convert it into a deep run. In all three times, the Chargers failed to advance further, losing in the first round itself.

McDaniel, who’s known for his aggressive play style, confirmed his belief in Herbert and expressed his commitment to make “him own the position in a way he never has and ultimately for it to be obvious to everyone around.”

The 43-year-old has a clear strategy to devise this plan, and it involves working on one single aspect of the quarterback’s current playing style. McDaniel pointed out the efficiency drop in Herbert’s performance when he keeps the ball for more than 2.4 seconds. He also explained how slower throws affect the yards made on a single play.

He’s got a very strong arm with a lot of ball speed, so typically guys like that have to wait to see something open and then throw it. And in those microseconds of time, defenders get closer to the eligibles that are catching it, so you have fewer yards after catch.

Mike McDaniel said, per Eric Smith of Chargers.com

McDaniel said that the focus has shifted on playing to Herbert’s advantages while ensuring quick footwork and fast throws. He also praised the hotshot for quickly adapting to the new style of play.

So, focusing on utilizing that strong arm and tying some quick footwork stuff, just overall it’s just a piece of the offense, but it’s a portion of the offense that I knew that he hadn’t really done in the past, and so that’s been what’s impressive.

In an analysis by ESPN, Herbert’s career trends follow the trajectory of what McDaniel noted in the press conference. The quarterback’s form dips if he holds onto the ball for more than 2.4 seconds, and he becomes extremely prone to being sacked by the highly athletic defensive units. However, he has also shown considerable efficiency beyond the structure of 3.5 seconds.

Chargers OC Mike McDaniel on building an offense for Justin Herbert: "When I got here, my first task that I bestowed upon myself is I watched every pass play that he's ever had in the National Football League."

"His expectations are the highest for himself…I'd say that we're… pic.twitter.com/vui1Kdws4H

— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) May 8, 2026

In the last season, Herbert had a release time of 2.9 seconds, ranked 32nd amongst all quarterbacks.

Mike McDaniel admits Justin Herbert was a big factor in his saying yes to the Chargers

Mike McDaniel had a brutal partnership end with the Miami Dolphins after two disastrous seasons ruined his offensive reputation. In an ideal world, someone who’s been a head coach for some time mostly takes on a similar role in another franchise, but with McDaniel, that wasn’t the case. He chose the City of Angels and the Chargers.

In the recent press conference, McDaniel raved about the Chargers’ quarterback, Justin Herbert, and even cited him as a factor for his choice to become offensive coordinator in LA.

Justin’s up there as one of the main motivating factors of moving my family here. Lofty expectations and I can say with absolute certainty he’s exceeded those. Just very motivated and focused.

McDaniel’s support for Herbert comes amid huge online backlash for his appearance in his girlfriend Madison Beer’s latest music video, ‘lovergirl.’ The video, set in a dreamy undertone, was termed as ‘steamy’ and unprofessional for an NFL athlete. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy even went to make a narrative that the Chargers have not won a ring recently because their quarterback isn’t locked in on football.

In addition to Herbert, McDaniel also showered praise on the Chargers’ wide receiver room, especially Quentin Johnston, whose recent growth drew comparisons to Julio Jones and Andre Johnson. He also highlighted Ladd McConkey for his playmaking ability on short throws, while praising rookies Tre’ Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith for impressing early in camp. McDaniel believes the Chargers’ receiving corps has major untapped potential heading into the new season.

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