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The Chargers reportedly hiring OC Mike McDaniel made the Chiefs’ lives harder.
Downright shocking and humbling is how one can describe the Kansas City Chiefs‘ season. 2025-26 was a nightmare for just about everyone involved, resulting in an improbable 6-11 finish to the campaign.
One of the top dynasties in NFL history is over — or at least on pause. It’ll take some significant legwork and fortune to restore Kansas City to dominance. One decision won’t singlehandedly swing the pendulum all the way in the other direction.
As the month of January rolls on, that path back to greatness was just made more difficult.
Chargers Hiring Mike McDaniel Makes Life Harder for Kansas City
It doesn’t have much to do with anything the Chiefs did or didn’t do. Sure, they could’ve made a push to bring in Mike McDaniel as their new offensive coordinator. No reports ever surfaced of serious interest or even contact with the veteran coach, though, so it’s unfair to criticize the organization for that.
It’s what the rival Los Angeles Chargers did that makes the Chiefs’ lives harder. The 2026 wild card team is reportedly making McDaniel its next OC, fresh off a tumultuous tenure with the Miami Dolphins. Even in a median outcome, McDaniel very well could be an upgrade over now-former L.A. coordinator Greg Roman.
That’s nothing but bad news for Kansas City.
Over the years, McDaniel progressed from intern to offensive assist to wide receivers coach, then from run game coordinator to offensive coordinator. His time with the Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, Washington Commanders, Cleveland Browns, Atlanta Falcons and San Francisco 49ers prepared him for his Miami stint.
In his debut campaign as head coach, McDaniel led Miami to fifth and ninth in yards and points per drive, respectively. The following year, they were second in both categories. Although the last two seasons witnessed decline, the best of McDaniel blends innovative concepts in the run game with an explosive pass game.
He’s also upgrading from Tua Tagovailoa to the uber-talented Justin Herbert at quarterback. It’s the best play-caller Herbert has had. With Los Angeles going 11-6 and making the playoffs in consecutive seasons, they may be cemented as a second- or third-tier contender.
Kansas City has ground to make up.
Updated Chiefs Coaching Staff Outlook As Offseason Continues
Head coach Andy Reid and general manager Brett Veach seem to know this. That’s why they’re working in tandem to alter Reid’s staff this offseason. At the top, Matt Nagy is tracking to find employment elsewhere. He’ll presumably be replaced by Eric Bieniemy as offensive coordinator. Bieniemy held the role from 2018-2022, then left for jobs with the Commanders, UCLA Bruins and Chicago Bears.
Several other spots on Reid’s hierarchy of assistants are also in transition. Out is wide receivers coach Connor Embree, and (reportedly) in is veteran coach Chad O’Shea. O’Shea receives rave reviews and has experience on the New England Patriots‘ championship-winning teams.
Elsewhere, running backs coach Todd Pinkston was relieved of his duties last week. Assistant running backs coach Mark Deleone and offensive assistant Kevin Saxton are also reportedly not returning for 2026-27.
That makes a total of five firings, and that’s just on the offensive side of the ball and doesn’t account for others who left willingly. On defense, assistant defensive line coach Alex Whittingham has departed for the University of Michigan linebackers coach job. Defensive quality control coach Louie Addazio is with UNLV as their offensive line coach.
After ripping off nine straight AFC West division titles, change is on the horizon for the Chiefs. With one of their top rivals improving on the fly, that’s probably a good thing.
Jordan Foote is a seasoned sports writer who covers the NFL for Heavy.com with an emphasis on the Kansas City Chiefs, New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers. He has years of experience publishing NFL and MLB content for Sports Illustrated’s On SI vertical, in addition to a background in NBA coverage for multiple outlets. Foote is a Baker University alumnus, earning his degree in Mass Media. He’s based in Kansas City. More about Jordan Foote
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