Chargers' Mike McDaniel Aims to Unlock Justin Herbert's Elite Potential Amid Playoff Struggles

As quarterback Justin Herbert enters the seventh year of his NFL career, the Los Angeles Chargers remain hopeful of unlocking a potential that has yet to be fully realized—namely, a single postseason victory. Former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel has been tasked with the challenge of maximizing Herbert’s abilities, a quarterback whom current head coach Jim Harbaugh has consistently praised.

On Friday, McDaniel shared further insights into what Herbert could achieve under his guidance.

"He has the capability of mastering every tool in the toolbox. For him to own the position in a way he never has and ultimately for it to be obvious to everyone around, he's playing the best football of his career."

One of McDaniel’s key objectives is to enhance Herbert’s efficiency on quick throws. He emphasized the need for a more refined approach to optimize these plays while maintaining Herbert’s strengths, such as extending drives and deep-ball accuracy.

"Finding a more detailed approach to max out those quick throws in conjunction with all the things that you know he's capable of doing," McDaniel explained. "Which is extend plays and launch it down the field."

This transformation requires Herbert to adapt after six seasons of executing a specific style of play. McDaniel noted that Herbert has been receptive to the changes so far.

"Typically, elite performers don't like to try new things. He's really let go, been all in."

Herbert’s urgency to adapt is underscored by his recent performance metrics. Last season, he finished outside the top 10 in passer rating, a category in which he has ranked in the top 10 only once in his career—during the 2024 season, when he placed seventh with a passer rating of 101.7.

Despite internal narratives suggesting external factors are to blame for Herbert’s inability to meet expectations, the quarterback faces scrutiny over his own role in his development. After six NFL seasons, questions persist: Is Herbert destined to remain a "good" quarterback rather than "great"?

McDaniel, who previously coaxed standout performances from a quarterback drafted one spot before Herbert in the 2022 NFL Draft, believes there is untapped potential in extending plays and quick reads. By scheming plays to create open receivers and refining Herbert’s decision-making under pressure, McDaniel aims to elevate Herbert from good to great.