Kris Rhim Oct 1, 2026, 04:29 PM ET Close Kris Rhim is a reporter for NFL Nation at ESPN. Kris covers the Los Angeles Chargers, including coach Jim Harbaugh's franchise-altering first season. In Kris' free time, he lives his NBA dreams at men's leagues across Los Angeles. EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel blamed himself Thursday for the team's offensive struggles."I'm fully responsible," he said. "... I spend zero time trying to avoid blame. It's quite the opposite."
McDaniel, fired in January after four years as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins, was brought in this offseason to make the Chargers' offense among the league's best. Instead, the Chargers' offense has been a disaster. Justin Herbert is second in the NFL in interceptions, and his QBR (27.4) is the second worst in the NFL. The Chargers rank 29th in points per game (14.7) and tied for fifth in turnovers (6).
Sunday's loss to the Buffalo Bills dropped the team to 0-3. The Chargers' defense forced five turnovers, while the Chargers committed only one and somehow lost the game. "We were the reason we lost the football game," McDaniel said. "And you gotta pull your weight in this league."
McDaniel said he isn't discouraged, pointing to the volatility of the NFL. He also defended Herbert after a rare public critique from coach Jim Harbaugh. "Nothing has changed with Justin Herbert," McDaniel said. The Chargers will look to get on track against the defending Super Bowl-champion Seattle Seahawks Sunday afternoon in Seattle.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing