Harbaugh, McDaniel React to Justin Herbert, Chargers Being Tied for Worst Record in NFL Standings

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel aren't reaching for the panic button after the team dropped its first two games of the 2026 NFL season.

Harbaugh told reporters earlier this week the team is experiencing some "growing pains" after having replaced both coordinators. Greg Roman was dismissed, and Jesse Minter, who led the defense, left to become the Baltimore Ravens' head coach.

McDaniel, for his part, said the Chargers are "not standing on business in the least," per ESPN's Kris Rhim .

The performance of the offense has been particularly disappointing. Los Angeles has already committed five turnovers, and franchise quarterback Justin Herbert has thrown for just 401 yards and two touchdowns while completing 59.3 percent of his passes.

"I think I can just plain and simply say that it's below our expectations," McDaniel said. "I know it's below a lot of people's expectations as well."

Making a splashy hire and adding McDaniel to the staff made plenty of sense. He brought the best out of Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill while coaching the Miami Dolphins. He was also a major departure from Roman in terms of his scheme and familiarity with Harbaugh.

Instead, a lot of the same problems from recent seasons are carrying over.

McDaniel said he isn't going to totally scrap his game plan but doesn't want to overreact.

"What I know how to do is evolve. And so I think it's kind of lazy to just say, 'OK, there's the result. Not good. Let's do the opposite,'" he said, per Rhim. "That's not why I'm here. That being said, you don't just point a finger and say, 'Well, it worked before.' So I think all of that is being taken under consideration."

Compounding the concern generated from the 0-2 start, the Chargers' schedule doesn't get any easier. They play the Buffalo Bills, Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs before heading into a Week 7 bye.

Picking up a couple of wins over playoff contenders would definitely improve the general vibes around L.A. But such a difficult stretch could only serve to worsen the team's position in the standings and amplify the fans' frustrations.