Harbaugh backs McDaniel as winless Chargers face division tests

Jim Harbaugh says Mike McDaniel’s job is safe after the Chargers’ 0-4 start, keeping the offensive coordinator in place as Los Angeles prepares for division games against Denver and Kansas City. The public backing comes after another turnover-heavy defeat, this time 30-23 in Seattle.

“His job is not in jeopardy,” Harbaugh said, according to The Associated Press. He described McDaniel as a skilled coach and said the team would continue to grow. Justin Herbert also backed his coordinator while accepting that he needed to make more plays.

The evidence of the offense’s problems was immediate Sunday. Herbert’s first pass was intercepted by Seahawks linebacker Drake Thomas, a play the NFL posted on its official account. A second first-half interception added to the Chargers’ difficulty getting their offense moving.

Los Angeles’ official Monday review counted four turnovers and 301 yards of offense. Herbert completed five of 14 passes for 36 yards before halftime. The Chargers trailed 27-6 late in the third quarter before making the game competitive, but his final-drive sack and fumble ended the comeback.

NFL.com reported that Herbert has six interceptions and has been sacked 12 times through four games. The quarterback’s support for McDaniel leaves the offensive staff facing the same practical task: improving execution within the system already installed.

The team’s Monday preview also identifies an immediate concern along the offensive line. Joe Alt left the Seattle game with a neck injury, Rashawn Slater with an ankle injury and Trevor Penning with a head injury. Los Angeles finished with several replacements playing different positions as those losses accumulated.

Those injuries make this week’s availability reports consequential for Herbert’s protection. Harbaugh’s endorsement settles his stated position on McDaniel while the lineup questions remain.

Denver visits in Week 5, followed by a road game at Kansas City before the Chargers’ Week 7 bye. Los Angeles sits last in the AFC West. Its next chance to show improvement comes against a divisional opponent, with the head coach publicly committed to his coordinator.