Despite a massive outcry from their fan base, the Los Angeles Chargers have apparently decided to not fire head coach Brandon Staley, and they instead dismissed offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi.
Therefore, hiring the right replacement for Lombardi will be absolutely vital to their chances of maximizing their talent next season.
The Chargers arguably have the talent to make a run at the Super Bowl, or at least come close, and it all starts with star quarterback Justin Herbert.
It looks like he will have some say on who general manager Tom Telesco picks to be the team’s new offensive coordinator.
Chargers general manager Tom Telesco says Justin Herbert will have input regarding their new offensive coordinator.
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) January 19, 2023
This may not exactly be a bad thing, especially since there is no indication the franchise will let Herbert have the final say.
Players, especially quarterbacks, are dialed into what the team’s strengths and weaknesses are on a visceral level, and they will likely have some good ideas on which offensive coordinators could be a good fit and help address the issues a team has.
Most agree the Chargers need someone who will transform them into a team that attacks vertically down the field, rather than one that makes mostly short passes, especially to the sides.
At 6-foot-6 and nearly 240 pounds, Herbert has a throwing arm that is seemingly powered by a NASA-caliber rocket, and it makes no sense to not exploit that strength.
Something else that would help is the addition of a wide receiver who is a speed threat and would benefit from playing with Herbert.
Such a wideout could also open things up a bit for Keenan Allen and Mike Williams by virtue of forcing opposing defense backs to have to account for him downfield.
