Por Renan Filho · 2026-11-06**Lead**
In a move that signals urgency and accountability at the highest level, Los Angeles Chargers head coach Mike McDaniel has announced a significant shift in offensive strategy: he will relinquish play-calling responsibilities to offensive coordinator Frank Smith effective immediately. The decision comes after a dreary 1-3 start to the season, where the team’s offense has ranked near the bottom of the league in points per game, third-down conversions, and explosive plays.
**Contexto**
When McDaniel was hired in 2024, he was hailed as an offensive savant, a disciple of the Kyle Shanahan coaching tree who had helped the San Francisco 49ers consistently field top-five offenses. His first season in Los Angeles was promising: the Chargers went 11-6, won the AFC West, and averaged 25.3 points per game—good for sixth in the NFL. However, the current campaign has been a stark regression.
Through four games, the Chargers (1-3) are averaging just 14.0 points per contest, last in the AFC. They’ve mustered only three offensive touchdowns, a league-low 19.7 percent conversion rate on third down, and a paltry 4.8 yards per pass attempt. The running game, once a strength behind veteran Austin Ekeler, is averaging 89.0 yards per game—25th in the league. Quarterback Justin Herbert, who signed a five-year, $262.5 million extension in 2022, has looked uncharacteristically rattled, posting a 79.4 passer rating with three interceptions already.
McDaniel acknowledged the struggles in a press conference: “I’m not above putting my ego aside. This is about what’s best for the team. Frank has been in the room with me every step of the way, and I trust his vision. Sometimes a different voice in the helmet makes all the difference.” He emphasized that this was not a demotion for himself but a recalibration, noting that he will still be heavily involved in game planning and personnel decisions.
**Analise**
This is a high-risk, high-reward gamble for McDaniel. Handing over play-calling midseason can create clarity if successful—or chaos if the offense continues to sputter. Smith, 39, is a respected offensive line coach turned coordinator who has never called plays in an NFL game. His background is in the run game and protection schemes, areas where the Chargers have been most deficient. The interior offensive line, decimated by injuries to guard Zion Johnson and center Corey Linsley, has allowed Herbert to be pressured on 31% of dropbacks, per Pro Football Focus.
The timing also raises eyebrows. Week 5 brings a divisional road matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, the two-time defending AFC champions. Patrick Mahomes and Co. are undefeated at 4-0. If the Chargers’ offense fails to score 20 points against a defense that ranks 12th in DVOA, the narrative will shift from “bold adjustment” to “panic move that backfired.” McDaniel knows the stakes: another losing season could put his job security in jeopardy, especially given that general manager Tom Telesco—who hired him—was fired in January 2025.
From a broader perspective, this move reflects a league-wide trend. Over the past two seasons, eight head coaches have either taken over or given up play-calling duties midseason, including Sean McVay (Rams), Matt LaFleur (Packers), and Mike McCarthy (Cowboys). The results are mixed: McVay’s short hiatus saw the Rams’ offense improve only modestly, while McCarthy’s surrender of calls to Brian Schottenheimer in 2023 led to a late-season surge and a playoff berth. The difference often depends on trust, preparation, and the quarterback’s comfort level.
For Herbert, this change could be a lifeline. Known for his pre-snap intelligence and ability to audible, he has often struggled when the play-caller’s rhythm clashes with his own. Smith has a reputation for simplifying reads and emphasizing play-action—a concept Herbert excels at but has rarely been asked to execute this season. The Chargers are ranked 26th in play-action frequency, a baffling statistic given that Herbert’s 65.3% completion rate on such passes was second-best in the NFL last year.
**Fontes**
- Los Angeles Chargers official press conference, October 6, 2026 - Pro Football Focus (PFF) offensive line pressure and play-action data, Weeks 1-4, 2026 season - NFL.com game statistics and team rankings, 2026 regular season - Historical data on head coaches relinquishing play-calling duties, compiled from NFL media reports (2022-2025)