Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel says he coaches for his job amid 0‑5 start

McDaniel stressed that complacency would be disrespectful to fans and the organization as the Chargers prepare for a road game against the Chiefs.

By Felo News Desk · Published Fri, 16 Oct 2026 04:54:23 GMT

Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel told reporters on Thursday that he treats each game as if his job depends on it, even as the team sits 0‑5 to start the 2026 season.

What happened

The Chargers entered the weekend with a 0‑5 record, having allowed an average of 311.6 total yards per game on defense and scoring just 16.8 points per game, the third‑lowest total in the NFL. Their next matchup is a road game against the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs.

What the reports add

Both the Los Angeles Times and the New York Post published McDaniel’s remarks verbatim, including his description of the mindset as “core to my job.” The Times noted that the Chargers rank 10th in total yards allowed, while the Post highlighted that the offense’s 16.8 points per game places it ahead of only the Dolphins and Titans, the other winless teams.

What was said

"I feel like it’s core to my job to always feel that way," McDaniel said, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. "I need to do the very best I possibly can, all the time, because [of] the players, the organization, the fans. … I think it’s disrespectful to all those that choose to invest in our game and our team to not look at things that way. The second you get comfortable in this league, it’s a wrap; it’s too good. I will be doing my very best, because from an integrity standpoint, I think it’s really insulting to do anything else. And that won’t change." The New York Post repeated the same quotation.

How it came about

McDaniel’s comments follow a series of reports on his job security. On Oct. 8, Felo News covered his defense of his position after an 0‑4 start, noting his earlier remarks about “standard operating procedure” disappointment. Earlier in the season, Jim Harbaugh publicly backed McDaniel after an 0‑3 start, as detailed in Felo’s Sep. 29 article. The continued winless streak has kept the coaching staff under scrutiny.

Key facts

Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel said he treats each game as if his job is on the line. (latimes.com)
The Chargers are 0‑5 to start the 2026 season. (latimes.com)
Los Angeles ranks 10th in total yards allowed per game (311.6 yards). (latimes.com)
The Chargers average 16.8 points per game, the third‑lowest in the NFL. (nypost.com)