Jim Harbaugh Keeps Mike McDaniel as Chargers’ Play-Caller After Bye

Jim Harbaugh says Mike McDaniel will continue calling offensive plays for the Los Angeles Chargers after the bye week, keeping the existing arrangement in place as the team tries to recover from an 0–6 start.

The head coach confirmed the decision Wednesday after using the break to review the offense. NFL.com reported Harbaugh’s answer following questions about whether McDaniel would retain responsibility for the call sheet.

The decision settles the immediate assignment rather than announcing that every part of the offensive operation will remain identical. Harbaugh described an organizational review involving coaches and analytics staff, with the club still seeking its first victory.

McDaniel joined the Chargers before the 2026 season after four years as Miami’s head coach. His arrival paired an experienced offensive coach with quarterback Justin Herbert, but the opening results have fallen short of that combination’s expectations.

Larry Brown Sports reported that Los Angeles has averaged 15 points per game and exceeded 20 points only once. Those scoring results provide the clearest immediate context for the questions about play-calling after the bye.

McDaniel previously worked in San Francisco’s offensive system, serving as run-game coordinator before becoming offensive coordinator in 2021. Miami hired him as head coach in 2022, and he led the Dolphins to two playoff appearances during his four seasons there.

McDaniel’s coaching work also included a stint in Denver.

The Chargers’ next opponent is the Los Angeles Rams. The return from the bye therefore brings a local matchup alongside the need to produce a first win, with McDaniel still responsible for directing the offense on game day.

Harbaugh’s statement provides a confirmed answer about who will call plays. The effectiveness of the post-bye offense will be measured by its subsequent performances, rather than the speculation that preceded Wednesday’s decision. TSP’s NFL section carries related coverage.