Los Angeles finished voluntary offseason practices this week as the Chargers continue preparation for a pivotal season under coach Jim Harbaugh. The club arrives at training camp following a second straight year ended by an embarrassing playoff loss and with new coordinators on both sides of the ball — Mike McDaniel on offense and Chris O’Leary on defense.
General manager Joe Hortiz made early roster moves to fit McDaniel’s vision, releasing guard Mekhi Becton and adding Cole Strange and Keaton Mitchell, both described as targets of the new coach. The offense is being retrained around playing faster and with conviction, a theme that has filtered down to players in OTAs.
Offensive linemen used McDaniel’s catchphrases in interviews, with Kayode Awosika and Cole Strange citing a focus on “conviction over perfection.” Tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater have emphasized a renewed emphasis on “running off the ball,” language aligned with McDaniel’s emphasis on speed and aggression in the run and pass game.
Justin Herbert entered a mechanical overhaul in Year 7, with McDaniel emphasizing improved footwork and anticipatory throws rather than relying on his arm and much of his game in the 2.4-second window. Herbert has taken off days to work specifically on footwork and will use a green water ball once a week in OTAs to rehearse throwing motion while reserving a football for handoffs and pitches. “It’s only going to help us, getting the ball out in a position where [receivers] can turn up the field and make something happen,” Herbert said.
Defensive line coach Mike Elston said the staff is prioritizing positional flexibility along the interior to create more opportunities for playmakers. Elston singled out Teair Tart, Justin Eboigbe and Jamaree Caldwell for expanded roles; Tart signed a three-year, $37.5 million extension and is expected to play wider than his usual spots. Free-agent addition Dalvin Tomlinson, listed at 317 pounds, said the ability to move around the front was a draw in joining Los Angeles.
