“It’s Not His Fault” – Justin Herbert Defends OC Mike McDaniel After Chargers’ 0-6 Start, Blames the Players

Mike McDaniel's tenure as Chargers offensive coordinator has been poor. The Chargers are 0-6 and boasts the worst offense in the NFL.

“It’s Not His Fault” – Justin Herbert Defends OC Mike McDaniel After Chargers’ 0-6 Start, Blames the Players

(L) Mike McDaniel and (R) Justin Herbert (Image via IMAGO)

Mike McDaniel is on thin ice. The Los Angeles Chargers are 0-6 and the only team without a win in 2026. Despite the disappointing start, quarterback Justin Herbert is sticking by his offensive coordinator.

The Chargers qualified for two straight playoffs in the Jim Harbaugh era. Herbert led the Chargers to eleven wins in back-to-back years. However, their adventure ended in the wild card round both times.

In 2024, he threw 4 interceptions; last year, he completed 61% of his passes and threw zero touchdowns. Herbert is 0-3 in the postseason.

Harbaugh recruited Mike McDaniel to help Herbert end his miserable playoff record. McDaniel made his name as an offensive guru with the Falcons and the Niners. As a first-time head coach, he helped the Dolphins end their playoff drought.

The Dolphins and McDaniel parted ways after the 2025 season. The Chargers acted fast by making him their offensive play-caller.

Football pundits believe McDaniel’s time in LA is coming to an end. However, Herbert lessened the burden on his OC by taking the heat off of him.

It’s not his fault. It’s our fault as an offense. We have to do our job. It’s not Mike’s fault. The guys are open. Plays are being made. It’s on us to run, to block, to catch, to throw. It’s on us as an offense.

Justin Herbert said on Wednesday

Herbert has 107 completions for 1141 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions.

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Mike McDaniel receives backing from Jim Harbaugh

So far, the Chargers have scored 14, 14, 16, 23, 17, and 6 points on offense in six games. LA’s 287.2 yards per game ranks 28th in the NFL. Their -0.26 EPA per play ranks dead last, and 15.0 points per game is also the worst in the NFL.

"It's Not His Fault" - Justin Herbert Defends OC Mike McDaniel After Chargers' 0-6 Start, Blames the Players chris broussard
Mike McDaniel (Image via Yardbarker)

FOX Sports analyst Chris Broussard called out McDaniel for the poor offensive performance and Herbert’s decline. However, the veteran analyst doesn’t want the Chargers to fire McDaniel at the moment.

Mike McDaniel, there’s no defending what he’s done… He’s turned a very good QB into the worst QB in the league. So, there’s no defending it… Let [Mike] McDaniel coach the rest of the year and see if they can click at some point. This year’s lost, but maybe they’ll take off. If it doesn’t, I’m thinking you get rid of McDaniel.

Chris Broussard said on First Things First

Harbaugh has already made it clear that firing McDaniel isn’t an option. He reiterated the same ahead of the Chargers’ big clash against cross-town rivals, the Los Angeles Rams.

Herbert has played the Rams just once in his career. Back on New Year’s Day in 2023, Herbert threw 21 completions for 212 yards and two touchdowns. McDaniel is also 1-0 against the NFC West franchise.

His Dolphins side won 23-15 in November 2024. The Rams and the Chargers have locked horns thirteen times. The Rams lead the series 7-6.

These two teams played a preseason friendly in August. The Rams played rookies Ty Simpson and Matthew Caldwell. Simpson, a first-round draft pick, threw 18 completions for 119 yards and one touchdown. Caldwell threw one touchdown.

Herbert left the game after throwing a touchdown pass to Quentin Johnston. DJ Uiagalelei and Trey Lance shared snaps. The Chargers lost 20-18. According to Sports Illustrated, the Rams are favorites against the Chargers.

Spread

  • Chargers +6.5 (-102)
  • Rams -6.5 (-118)

Moneyline

  • Chargers +235
  • Rams -290

Total

  • OVER 44.5 (-102)
  • UNDER 44.5 (-118)

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