3 Best Coaching Options to Maximize Chargers' Justin Herbert in 2024

Several NFL teams have head-coach openings this offseason, but the Los Angeles Chargers might have the most attractive one. The reason? L.A. has the most important piece of the proverbial puzzle figured out with quarterback Justin Herbert.

Though Herbert has yet to truly break into the ranks of the elite, he's an above-average signal-caller with all the tools needed to be great. His 30-32 starting record, though, showcases how the Chargers have failed to maximize his potential.

The primary goal with L.A.'s next hire should be to find a coach who can get the most out of Herbert and finally make the Chargers legitimate contenders in the AFC West.

Below, we'll examine three coaching candidates already linked to L.A. who would be best suited for that challenge.

Jim Harbaugh

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HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 08: Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh walks off the field after the first half of the CFP National Championship game between the Michigan Wolverines and Washington Huskies on January 8, 2024 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Daniel Dunn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh has already interviewed with Los Angeles, and there appears to be very real mutual interest. According to NFL Media's Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport, Harbaugh has "indicated to associates" that he could leave Michigan for the Chargers job.

Harbaugh represents a logical top target for L.A. because he has a track record of yielding quick results. In his last NFL stint, Harbaugh took the San Francisco 49ers to the NFC title game in Year 1 and to the Super Bowl in Year 2.

Additionally, Harbaugh—a former NFL quarterback and first-round pick—has a track record of developing signal-callers. He got good results from both Alex Smith and Colin Kaepernick with the 49ers and helped develop Andrew Luck for a time at Stanford.

In theory, Harbaugh could help Herbert maximize his physical potential while also helping Los Angeles become a more complete team. Presumably, he could do so by finding a strong ground game and a functional defense—trademarks of Harbaugh's Michigan team and assets the Chargers lacked under former coach Brandon Staley.

Ben Johnson

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DETROIT, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 24: Ben Johnson offensive coordinator with the Detroit Lions looks on during a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Ford Field on September 24, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has become a hot commodity in this hiring cycle, and it's not hard to see why. Johnson helped revitalize Jared Goff's career, while establishing a dominant offensive line and a multi-faceted offensive attack.

The Lions finished the regular season ranked fifth in yards per carry, third in net yards per pass attempt, third in total yards and fifth in scoring.

While Johnson might not elevate the entire team in the way that Harbaugh might, he'd undoubtedly improve critical areas of the Chargers' offense. Inconsistent line play and a lackluster run game have placed much of the pressure on Herbert over the past four seasons.

Johnson has shown that he can scheme open receivers and create wide running lanes in Detroit. If he could do the same in L.A., while also doing a better job of protecting Herbert, the Chargers offense could become one of the best in the league.

Hiring a proven defensive coordinator would be critical if Johnson gets the job, but as the head coach, he could give Herbert the sort of complete offense he has yet to enjoy.

Mike Vrabel

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HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 31: Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel looks on from the sideline during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Mike Vrabel has a defensive background, but that doesn't mean he couldn't help Herbert be a better quarterback.

As the Tennessee Titans head coach, Vrabel got reasonable results from former Miami Dolphins bust Ryan Tannehill. Vrabel knows the importance of a strong ground game, having coached Derrick Henry for the past six seasons, and he knows how to get the most out of a defensive lineup.

Yes, Tennessee's defense was merely average this past season, but Vrabel wasn't behind the team's decision to ignore that side of the ball in the 2023 draft.

Most importantly, Vrabel has shown that he can lead a team to the postseason (three times in six seasons) and have his players prepared and motivated on game days.

"I feel like my entire career here, situationally I've been as prepared as I can possibly be for every game," Titans linebacker Harold Landry III said, per Terry McCormick of Titans Insider. "I feel like if you just look at this past game, guys were playing hard for him. Guys want to win for him."

Vrabel would bring a needed culture shift after years of underperformance and poor situational football under Staley. That shift would do wonders for Herbert's ongoing development.