The Los Angeles Chargers look to build on their 11-6 season from a year ago as Jim Harbaugh returns for his third year as head coach. Former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel joins as offensive coordinator. Justin Herbert returns as the starting quarterback. Omarion Hampton, Kimani Vidal, and Keaton Mitchell return at running back. The Chargers return six of their top eight receivers from last season, with Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston as the primary targets. Charlie Kolar joins 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 for experience and depth. The Chargers added Kayode Awosika from Detroit and Cole Strange from Miami. After Tyler Biadasz suffered a season-ending ACL injury in August, Florida rookie Jake Slaughter took over as the starting center. Pipkins was placed on injured reserve before Week 4. Slater suffered an ankle injury and Alt suffered a neck injury against Seattle in Week 4, with both leaving the game and not returning.
Chris O’Leary returns from Western Michigan for his second stint with the Chargers and will serve as defensive coordinator in 2026. The Chargers return ten of their top eleven tacklers, including eight from last year. Denzel Perryman remains on injured reserve. The front seven returns Jamaree Caldwell, Teair Tart, Tuli Tuipulotu, Troy Dye, Daiyan Henley, Khalil Mack, Bud Dupree, and welcomes Dalvin Tomlinson from the Cardinals. The secondary remains in good shape, with Tarheeb Still, Donte Jackson, Tony Jefferson, Elijah Molden, Derwin James, and RJ Mickens back.
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 enough talent to compete in the AFC West, but they have opened the 2026 season at 0-4. The slow start reflects the challenge of adjusting to two new coordinators, while injuries along the offensive line have created another major obstacle to overcome.