The Los Angeles Chargers, after losing in the first round of the playoffs, have already made a key personnel change, just hours after their postseason exit.
The Chargers have fired offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi after just two seasons with the team.
The #Chargers are 19-15 in Brandon Staley’s two seasons, making the playoffs this year despite rampant injuries. But Staley felt changes were needed, and it’ll involve an overhaul on the offensive side. One of the NFL’s best OC jobs is now open. https://t.co/VaieWj2TMG
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 17, 2023
Under Lombardi in 2021, the Chargers offense averaged 27.9 points per game, but regressed in 2022, only averaging 23.4 points per game.
Although the Chargers found enough success in the regular season to make the playoffs, it appears that their front office had seen enough from Lombardi.
Whoever inherits the Chargers’ OC job will be in good company given the young quarterback talent they have in Justin Herbert, alongside weapons like Mike Williams, Keenan Allen, and Austin Ekeler.
After the Chargers lost this weekend, many were calling for head coach Brandon Staley’s head, in addition to Lombardi.
Unless something unforeseen develops with Staley, it appears that he will be employed by the Chargers, at least for next season.
Moving forward with Staley and their weapons on both sides of the ball should prove to be effective for the Chargers heading into the 2023 season, and with the hope of a new OC as well, the Chargers have plenty of reason for optimism.
The Kansas City Chiefs have won the AFC West for the past seven straight seasons and don’t look like they are slowing down anytime soon.
The Chargers will need to pull out every trick in the book to try and compete with a juggernaut of a team like the Chiefs in 2023 and beyond.
NEXT: The Chargers Make A Big Change To Start The Offseason