The winless Los Angeles Chargers are making a change as they try to fix their struggling offense. Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel will call plays from the coaches’ booth rather than the sideline.
The team has gone 27 consecutive drives without scoring a touchdown, a stretch that covers nine quarters. McDaniel said Thursday that he wants a better view of the game and more time to discuss adjustments with position coaches between series.
There were high expectations for the Chargers’ offense with McDaniel calling plays for quarterback Justin Herbert. So far, though, the unit has managed just 14.1 points per game, the lowest average in the NFL.
McDaniel acknowledged that working from the booth means giving up some direct, face-to-face communication on the sideline. He said he trusts the rest of the offensive coaching staff to relay information and keep players focused.
He last called plays from the booth in 2021, when he was the San Francisco 49ers’ offensive coordinator. McDaniel said the higher vantage point can make it easier to see all 22 players and follow how a play develops, much like reviewing game film.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh approved the move. With the Chargers still searching for their first win, McDaniel will be under pressure to show that the change can help. Los Angeles, now 0-7, visits the 2-4 Houston Texans on Sunday.
