The Los Angeles Chargers look to build on their 11-6 season a year ago as Jim Harbaugh returns for his third year as head coach. Former head coach Mike McDaniel comes over from the Dolphins to take over as offensive coordinator. Justin Herbert returns as the starting quarterback. Omarion Hampton and Kimani Vidal are back at running back, along with Keaton Mitchell, who comes over from the Ravens. The Chargers return six of their top eight receivers from a season ago. Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston will be the primary receivers, while Charlie Kolar comes over from Baltimore to join Oronde Gadsden and newcomer David Njoku at tight end. The offensive line gets Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater back from injury, while Trey Pipkins III and Trevor Penning return to provide experience and depth. The Chargers added Kayode Awosika from Detroit and Cole Strange from Miami, while Florida rookie Jake Slaughter is expected to start at center.

Chris O’Leary comes over from Western Michigan for his second stint with the Chargers and will fill the role as defensive coordinator in 2026. The Chargers return ten of their top eleven tacklers, including their top eight from a year ago. Denzel Perryman will start the season on IR. The front seven returns Jamaree Caldwell, Teair Tart, Tuli Tuipulotu, Troy Dye, Daiyan Henley, Khalil Mack, and Bud Dupree, and welcomes in Dalvin Tomlinson from the Cardinals. The Chargers secondary remains in good shape, with Tarheeb Still, Donte Jackson, Tony Jefferson, Elijah Molden, Derwin James, and RJ Mickens returning.

Ryan Ficken returns for his fifth season as special teams coordinator. Cameron Dicker is back as field goal kicker after connecting on 93% of his attempts last year. J.K. Scott returns as the punter. Derius Davis is back as the primary return man. The Chargers have a lot of talent and will compete for the AFC West. It will be interesting to see how the two new coordinators do and how fast they get their team to gel into their systems.