Chargers OC Mike McDaniel to call plays from booth in Week 9
The 0-7 Los Angeles Chargers are testing a new sideline strategy against Houston after their offense failed to score in the last two games.
By Harper Foster ·
The Los Angeles Chargers will attempt a tactical shift in their offense when they host the Houston Texans at SoFi Stadium on Thursday.
Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel announced on Thursday that he intends to call plays from the coaching box rather than standing on the sideline. McDaniel stated he discussed the plan with head coach Jim Harbaugh. He wants to observe adjustments from a different vantage point and communicate better with position coaches between series.
"I'm being very open-minded with all things," McDaniel said. "Not trying to prove or justify anything that ultimately leads to underwhelming results. You do your best." He added that he is confident in his coaching staff to manage sideline communication while he works from the booth.
The move comes after the Chargers went winless in their first eight games of the 2026 season. The offense currently ranks last in the NFL in points per game. It also sits 28th in total yards per game and 30th in yards per play.
The unit has struggled to generate points recently. The Chargers have not scored a touchdown in their last two contests. Their last score came in the third quarter of Week 5 against the Denver Broncos. Since that drive, the offense has completed 27 consecutive drives without reaching the end zone.
Quarterback Justin Herbert has seen his statistics decline under the new offensive scheme. He has thrown five touchdown passes and 10 interceptions through seven games. His performance has been particularly poor in the final quarter, where he has recorded six turnovers and zero touchdowns this season.
The Texans present a potentially favorable matchup for a struggling passing attack. Houston allowed three opponents to score 30 or more points in 2025, a figure that has risen to three such games in the current season. They have also allowed three passers to throw for more than 300 yards this year, compared to none last season.
Harbaugh and the front office will evaluate the result of the Week 9 game before making further personnel decisions. The Chargers have a week to prepare for their Monday night matchup against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 10. McDaniel's tenure remains under scrutiny as the team seeks its first win of the year.
