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Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz
The Los Angeles Chargers were able to land one of the hottest coaches in the 2026 coaching circuit, landing former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel as the next offensive coordinator.
Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz appeared on Pro Football Talk with host Mike Florio at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine and discussed the acquisition of McDaniel to become the next OC, with Hortiz making a claim about Justin Herbert‘s seventh season in the NFL.
“You get an opportunity to grow the offense in a different direction and a direction we felt like would accentuate Justin and what we have on board already,” Hortiz said. “Mike [McDaniel] is a coach that will literally create his scheme, create his offense based around the players we have.”
“I think his flexibility as an offensive coordinator and play caller is one of the things that makes him great. Just knowing the offense, I think Justin’s gonna take off in it.”
The former head coach was a hot commodity after he departed from the Dolphins, as he was receiving multiple head coaching and offensive coordinator interviews before landing with the Bolts.
McDaniel revealed in his introductory press conference that he is a huge fan of Herbert, calling him someone he has admired.
“He was excited to start a new chapter and to really attack the process of the offseason to be our best versions of ourselves come next fall. It was enthusiastic,” McDaniel said, via the Chargers. “I think he hasn’t neared the ceiling of what he’s capable of…”
Joe Hortiz On Parting Ways With Former OC
GettyThe Chargers will have a new offensive coordinator
Both general manager Joe Hortiz and Greg Roman were hired in the same offseason Jim Harbaugh was named the next head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers.
But now, Roman and LA parted ways after two poor playoff appearances in the AFC wildcard, in which opponents outscored the Bolts 48 to 15.
Joe Hortiz revealed he was part of the conversation that led to Roman’s dismissal as offensive coordinator, saying it was tough for him due to his history with the coach.
“[Harbaugh] felt it was a move we had to make… Tough, tough decision to make, but in the end, you got to do what you feel is best for the team and that’s where coach felt we needed to head,” Hortiz told Florio.
Hortiz and Roman first started working together with the Baltimore Ravens in the 2006 season, when the former was a scout for the organization and the latter as the assistant offensive line coach.
The duo reunited when Roman was returned as a senior offensive assistant and tight ends coach, while Hortiz remained with the Ravens and became the director of college scouting.
Now, after their third time pairing with each other, Joe Hortiz remains, while Greg Roman was relieved of his job — Roman is now a senior offensive assistant with the New York Giants.
Joe Hortiz Talks Tyreek Hill
GettyChargers could show interest in Tyreek Hill
While the Los Angeles Chargers general manager can’t reveal too much of the team’s offseason plans, Joe Hortiz was asked his thoughts on Mike McDaniel reuniting with a former Miami Dolphins player.
Tyreek Hill was released from the Dolphins after four seasons with the organization. The wide receiver had his two best seasons under McDaniel, recording over 1,700 yards, and could reunite with his former head coach in the City of Angels.
“Those are the things we’ll talk about next week,” Hortiz said. “I love our receiver room as is right now. I think we have a lot of really talented, young players that are really going to grow and flourish.”
“But we’re never opposed to adding another one. So, we’ll continue to have discussions about that and see where it heads.”
The wide receiver posted a simple tweet when McDaniel was initially brought on as the OC, which may hint that Hill is interested in joining the Los Angeles Chargers.
Jason Garcia Jason Garcia is a sports contributor for Heavy Sports who joined the team in 2025, covering the New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers. More about Jason Garcia
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