Mike McDaniel’s strategy for Justin Herbert isn’t about piling on more responsibilities. It’s about simplifying the game.
The new Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator shared Tuesday his intention to lighten Herbert’s load heading into 2026. He believes the quarterback performs at his peak when he isn’t forced to channel superhero-level plays on every down.
McDaniel highlighted that leaning too heavily on Herbert’s talent to generate magic can eventually backfire.
“It’s vital to avoid over-relying on Justin’s extraordinary capabilities,” McDaniel stated. “Our initial approach will be to reduce his workload, allowing him to shine when necessary.”
In the previous season, Herbert recorded 3,727 passing yards and 26 touchdowns, alongside almost 500 rushing yards. However, his toughest performance came during the playoff loss to the New England Patriots, where he struggled under pressure and the offense became stagnant.
McDaniel believes the key lies in creating an offense that doesn’t rely solely on highlight-reel throws throughout the game.
“There are schematic strategies to secure completions that any of the three quarterbacks can execute,” he remarked. “We’re focusing on easier completions that yield high returns. It’s exhausting for a player to make spectacular plays consistently to secure victories.”
McDaniel mentioned he’s already had discussions with Herbert, describing their mutual excitement for the upcoming season. He commended Herbert’s competitive nature and potential, affirming that the quarterback has yet to reach his full capabilities and “can make every throw.”
McDaniel noted that collaborating with head coach Jim Harbaugh was a significant factor in his decision to join the team, labeling the opportunity as too significant to overlook.
