Mike McDaniel Moves Chargers Play-Calling to the Booth

Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel plans to call plays from the coaches’ booth rather than the sideline, a change he announced on November 5 as the team tries to revive its struggling offense. Head coach Jim Harbaugh approved the move, McDaniel said.

The 0-7 Chargers have gone 27 consecutive drives without a touchdown, a stretch covering nine quarters. They are averaging 14.1 points per game, the lowest total in the NFL. McDaniel calls plays for quarterback Justin Herbert.

McDaniel said the higher vantage point could help him see the field and assess adjustments between series. He compared the view to watching game film, saying it can make it easier to take in all 22 players. The change means giving up face-to-face communication with players on the sideline, but he said he trusts the offensive position coaches to communicate and set the tone.

McDaniel last coached from the booth in 2021, when he was the San Francisco 49ers’ offensive coordinator. The Chargers are scheduled to meet Houston, currently 2-4, on November 8, 2026, with kickoff set for 4:05 p.m. ET as they seek their first win of the season.