The Los Angeles Chargers are on the hunt for a new offensive coordinator following a disappointing playoff exit, according to head coach Jim Harbaugh. During a season-ending press conference held on Thursday in El Segundo, California, Harbaugh emphasized the need for a “fresh start” to lead the team in a new direction after a lackluster performance in the AFC Wild Card round.
The Chargers’ offensive struggles were evident in their recent loss to the New England Patriots, where they managed only three field goals in a 16-3 defeat. After two seasons under offensive coordinator Greg Roman, the team has decided to part ways with him and offensive line coach Mike Devlin. The Chargers have yet to secure a win in three playoff appearances with Justin Herbert at quarterback, raising questions about the effectiveness of their offensive strategy.
“You need a fresh start to stimulate a new direction,” Harbaugh stated during the conference. He acknowledged previous comments where he suggested that the team had not provided Herbert with adequate support. “Let me say exactly what I was thinking of,” he added, reaffirming his belief in Herbert’s talent and the need for the organization to elevate its performance to match him.
General Manager Joe Hortiz echoed Harbaugh’s sentiments, stating, “We weren’t good enough, and our goal was to be good enough.” He expressed disappointment at the current situation and highlighted the urgency to improve the roster. Hortiz admitted that the team needed to focus on making the right decisions leading up to the NFL Draft and free agency.
Looking ahead, the Chargers will be searching for their fifth offensive coordinator since drafting Herbert from the University of Oregon in 2020. Harbaugh stated that the new hire will play a critical role in maximizing Herbert’s potential. The quarterback has completed 66.5% of his passes for a total of 24,820 yards in his career, including a franchise-record 5,014 yards in the 2021 season. However, his playoff record remains a concern, with a completion rate of only 54.7% across his three postseason games.
During the regular season, Herbert faced significant pressure, being sacked 54 times, the highest of his six-year career. Despite injuries to key players, including tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater, Hortiz praised the offensive line’s performance but acknowledged the need for improvement.
As both Harbaugh and Hortiz map out their plans for the future, they indicated a willingness to cast a wide net in their search for Roman’s replacement. They emphasized the importance of finding someone who can effectively teach and implement the offensive game plan, putting the players in a position to succeed.
In addition to addressing the offensive coordinator position, Hortiz mentioned the desire to re-sign several key free agents, including wide receiver Keenan Allen and outside linebackers Khalil Mack and Odafe Oweh. He also confirmed that NaVorro Bowman would step down as linebackers coach to focus on his son’s college recruitment.
As the Chargers embark on this new chapter, the stakes are high. The organization aims to not only improve its performance but ultimately to contend for a Super Bowl title. Harbaugh and Hortiz are committed to making the necessary changes to achieve that goal.
