Honestly, it’s hard to stay optimistic when you’re a Chargers fan. You’ve seen this movie before. The 2025 season ended with a thud—a 16-3 Wild Card loss to the New England Patriots that felt like a slow-motion car crash. Justin Herbert, arguably the most talented arm in the league, spent the night running for his life, eventually taking six sacks and finishing with zero touchdowns. It was ugly.
But here is the Los Angeles Chargers latest news that actually matters: Jim Harbaugh isn't just "evaluating." He’s tearing things down to build them back up. On January 13, 2026, the team officially parted ways with Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman and Offensive Line Coach Mike Devlin. For Harbaugh, this wasn't just a business move; it was a personal one, given his long history with Roman. But let's be real—the offense was stagnant. When your Pro Bowl QB is your leading rusher in a playoff game because no one can get open and the line is a sieve, something has to give.
The Hunt for the "Head Coach of the Offense"
The search is on. Harbaugh didn't just say he wanted a new coordinator; he said he wanted a "head coach of the offense." That’s a specific phrase. It means he wants someone who can own that side of the ball completely so he can focus on the big-picture culture.
The biggest name on the radar? Mike McDaniel.
The former Dolphins head coach is reportedly set to interview in El Segundo. After his stint in Miami, McDaniel is the shiny toy every fan wants. He’s the guy who can actually utilize Herbert’s mobility and deep-ball accuracy instead of forcing him into the "ground and pound" slog that Roman favored. But the Chargers aren't the only ones calling. The Detroit Lions are reportedly sniffing around too.
👉 See also: Meaning of Grand Slam: Why We Use It for Tennis, Baseball, and Breakfast
Other names have surfaced, like Brian Callahan, but the vibe in the building is clear: they need someone who can score points. Period. Harbaugh admitted as much in the year-end presser, saying, "We owe that to our team." It was a rare moment of public admission that the scheme simply wasn't good enough.
The Roster Shakeup No One Saw Coming
While everyone was focused on the coaching staff, a huge piece of the defensive locker room walked out the door. NaVorro Bowman, the linebackers coach who did wonders with breakout star Daiyan Henley, is leaving.
It’s not for a promotion, though.
Bowman is stepping away to support his son, who is a top-tier high school basketball prospect. It’s a respectable move, but a massive blow for a defense that actually kept the Chargers in that Patriots game. Bowman was the guy who got undrafted rookie Marlowe Wax ready to play meaningful snaps. Now, GM Joe Hortiz has to find someone who can maintain that "blue-collar" intensity Bowman brought from his 49ers days.
✨ Don't miss: NFL Week 5 2025 Point Spreads: What Most People Get Wrong
Can the Offensive Line Actually Protect Herbert in 2026?
You can’t talk about the Chargers without talking about the "bookend" tackles. Or rather, the lack of them.
Rashawn Slater didn't play a single snap in 2025 after tearing his patellar tendon in August. Then Joe Alt, the rookie phenom, went down with a massive ankle injury in Week 9. Watching them clean out their lockers on Monday was bittersweet. Both are "hungry," according to Alt, and Slater says he’s ahead of schedule on a 9-to-12 month rehab.
If they aren't healthy by Week 1 of 2026, it won't matter who the offensive coordinator is. Herbert was pressured 17 times in the Wild Card round. You can't win like that.
The $100 Million Question
Here’s something most people get wrong: the Chargers aren't broke. In fact, they’re entering the 2026 offseason with over $100 million in cap space.
🔗 Read more: Bethany Hamilton and the Shark: What Really Happened That Morning
Hortiz has a massive war chest, but he also has massive headaches.
- Quentin Johnston’s Fifth-Year Option: Is he worth $17.5 million? He led the team in TDs this year, but he’s still inconsistent. Hortiz says he’s a "big fan," but "the conversation hasn't happened yet."
- The Khalil Mack Factor: The legend is a free agent again. He’s 35. He said he’s "pissed off" about the loss and needs time to see if the "vibes are high" before deciding to return or retire.
- The Mekhi Becton Mistake: Becton was a disaster this year. Cutting him saves almost $10 million. It’s almost a certainty at this point.
What This Means for You
If you’re following the Los Angeles Chargers latest news, don’t get distracted by the playoff loss. The foundation is actually steadier than it looks. You have a quarterback who played through a fractured hand and still put up 3,700 yards. You have a rookie running back in Omarion Hampton who looks like a star once his ankle heals.
The Chargers are essentially a "get healthy and get smart" project right now. The defense, led by a Second-Team All-Pro Derwin James, is championship-caliber. The offense is a Ferrari being driven like a tractor.
Your Next Steps for Following the Offseason:
- Watch the OC Interviews: If they land Mike McDaniel, the betting odds for Herbert’s 2026 MVP run will skyrocket immediately.
- Monitor the Combine: With the 22nd pick (again), the Chargers are likely looking at interior offensive line help. They cannot roll with Bradley Bozeman at center for another year.
- The March 15 Deadline: This is when the "New League Year" starts. Watch for a Justin Herbert restructure; it could free up an extra $17 million to go after a big-name wide receiver in free agency.
- Rehab Updates: Keep an eye on Joe Alt’s social media. If he’s back to full-speed drills by June, the AFC West should be worried.
The "Those Who Stay Will Be Champions" mantra is being tested. Harbaugh is 22-12 over two seasons, which is solid, but the "Chargering" gene is hard to kill. The next three months will determine if 2026 is a breakthrough or just another year of "what if."