Published October 19, 2026 08:57 PM
Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel remains employed, for now.
The key words may be “for now.”
Coach Jim Harbaugh was asked about McDaniel’s status on Monday. Harbaugh did not declare McDaniel to be safe.
“We’re looking into everything at this point, and that process is ongoing,” Harbaugh said. “Particularly offensively, scoring more points. . . . 0-6 does not give the privilege to rule out anything at this point, and we’re looking into everything.”
There’s a belief in some circles that McDaniel will be relieved of his duties, and that he’ll be replaced by pass game specialist Adam Gase, the former head coach of the Jets and Dolphins.
McDaniel was hired by the Chargers after Harbaugh fired Greg Roman. From 2022 through 2025, McDaniel served as head coach of the Dolphins.
The Chargers are off in Week 7, so they have a little time to make a decision. It’s possible, as one source put it on Monday, that the team is considering whether to reassign McDaniel and, if so, what his new role would be.
Regardless, until Harbaugh declares McDaniel will continue in his current job, there’s a real chance he won’t.