The Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator search has just gotten weirder and wackier. The newest candidate has ties to Jim Harbaugh…but not the kind you would expect.
Last Monday, as they were interviewing the highly coveted Mike Mcdaniel for their vacant offensive coordinator position, the Chargers announced they also held an interview with Drew Terrell.
Chargers fans will be forgiven if they have never heard of Terrell before now, but if you take a closer look at the man’s resume, it could make perfect sense as to why the Chargers could be interested in his services.
Terrell, aged 34, is tied to Harbaugh not just as a former Michigan assistant, like defensive coordinator Jesse Minter was, but as a former player under Harbaugh, when he was still at Stanford. In fact, he led the team in receiving in his senior season with the Cardinal. Speaking of cardinals, that is where Terrell’s winding journey into the NFL coaching ranks has led him, to be the Arizona Cardinals‘ passing game coordinator.
A Familiar Name From the Harbaugh Tree
Chargers fans may want a big name, but those closely linked to the Harbaugh tree have proven their worth. Jesse Minter has led the rise of one of the NFL’s best defenses, so why can’t someone like Terrell come in and do the same for the offense? Also, it seems like despite the Cardinals’ poor record on the field, NFL teams like what they see, as offensive coordinator Drew Petzing just got hired by the Lions…over a guy like Mike Mcdaniel.
Scheme Fit Questions, Production Answers
Still, it would be a mild upset should Terrell accept the position. It would also be somewhat of a left turn for the Chargers, as Terrell somewhat clashes with Harbaugh’s play styles. Having worked with receivers such as Terry Mclaurin and Curtis Samuel in Washington and Michael Wilson and Marvin Harrison Jr. in Arizona, Terrell may not be as ground and pound as Harbaugh would like.
The Harbaugh connection and the hard work he has done with Arizona however, can bolster his case. After all, the numbers speak for themselves in Arizona, as they ranked seventh in passing yards per game with Jacoby Brissett under center for large portions of the season. He also oversaw several historic seasons in the desert, as tight end Trey McBride had the most second most receptions this year and was sixth in receiving yards. Harrison as well shined in his rookie year, tying the franchise rookie record for touchdown catches.
Terrell may not be the household name at the end of the day. But he certainly has the pedigree to help this Chargers team. With one of the NFL’s better quarterbacks in Justin Herbert and several unique wide receivers in Ladd Mcconkey and Quentin Johnston, there’s no reason why Drew Terrell won’t be able to have some success should be named the next Chargers OC. After all, he was coached by Harbaugh himself.
Christopher Sheppard Christopher Sheppard is a passionate and knowledgeable sports journalist based in Englewood, NJ pursuing a role in the sports media industry. He covers the NFL for Heavy Sports, focusing on the Dolphins, Chargers, and Buccanneers. More about Christopher Sheppard
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