The Los Angeles Chargers are entering a pivotal season with new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel tasked with unlocking the next level of Justin Herbert’s play. McDaniel, hired after being let go by the Miami Dolphins, has made it his mission to help Herbert play the best football of his career by refining fundamentals like footwork and reducing time to throw. Last season, Herbert averaged 2.93 seconds before releasing the ball—a window that left him vulnerable to strip-sacks and delayed decision-making. McDaniel aims to shorten that to 2.4 seconds, a mark at which Herbert completed about 80% of his passes.

To reach that goal, McDaniel has studied every one of Herbert’s passing plays over his six NFL seasons. He believes Herbert has the tools to master every progression, drop, and play type, but the focus now is on elite execution. A quicker release could also help reduce Herbert’s career-high 2.5% interception rate from 2025. Beyond the quarterback, McDaniel sees untapped potential in the Chargers’ young receiving group, including Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and Tre’ Harris, and expects them to surpass previous career highs.

The real test begins later in May when the team starts organized team activities (OTAs) on May 26, followed by mandatory minicamp on June 16. How quickly Herbert adapts to McDaniel’s system could determine the Chargers’ offensive ceiling in 2026.