McDaniel: Chargers' Herbert hasn't 'neared the ceiling' of his potential
New Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel is eager to help star quarterback Justin Herbert fulfill his potential.
"I think you have a competitive player that each and every year is trying to get better at his craft," McDaniel told reporters Tuesday, per The Sporting Tribune. "He hasn't neared the ceiling to what he's capable of. ...
"There's a lot we can be capable of with him leading the charge. Extremely excited with that opportunity."
The Chargers officially hired McDaniel as the team's new offensive play-caller Monday. Los Angeles fired Greg Roman after two seasons in the role following the team's 16-3 wild-card round loss to the New England Patriots.
Although Herbert's been one of the NFL's more prominent passers through his six seasons, it hasn't translated into postseason success. The 27-year-old is winless in three playoff appearances.
McDaniel arrives in L.A. after four seasons as head coach of the Miami Dolphins. The 42-year-old was fired after they missed the playoffs for a second straight campaign in 2025. The coach had guided Miami to postseason appearances in 2022 and 2023.
While McDaniel praised Herbert's extraordinary skill set, he also plans to lighten the quarterback's load.
"I think not relying too heavily on Justin's ability to do above and beyond, I think is critical. ... That will be one of the first things that we'll try to do is take a little off his plate so that he is free to do that when his greatness is required," McDaniel said.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh said last week that the Chargers were searching for "a head coach of the offense" in hiring a new OC. McDaniel said he believes he'll become a "better coach" by working on Harbaugh's staff.
Considered one of football's more innovative minds on offense, McDaniel was credited with helping Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa find his best form during his first two years on the job. Tagovailoa passed for 3,548 yards and 25 touchdowns in 13 games in 2022. He led the NFL with 4,624 passing yards the following year, adding 29 touchdowns. Injuries to Tagovailoa and back-to-back losing campaigns contributed to McDaniel's dismissal.
The Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, and Las Vegas Raiders are among the clubs that interviewed McDaniel about their head coach vacancies after he left Miami. He reportedly withdrew from consideration for the Cleveland Browns' opening shortly before finalizing his deal with the Chargers.