Mike McDaniel Making Chargers' Play-Calling Change Amid Offensive Struggles, NFL-Worst Record

Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel is heading upstairs after an 0-7 start to the season.

McDaniel told reporters Thursday he has spoken with head coach Jim Harbaugh about calling plays from the coaches' box ahead of Sunday's matchup against the visiting Houston Texans.

"I won't be in the same spot... I'm being very open-minded with all things," McDaniel said.

Harbaugh confirmed McDaniel would continue calling plays after the Chargers continued their winless season with a 24-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams last Sunday.

"It seems like a good action to take based on how things have gone this year, and realistically something I've only brought up because I'm very confident in the rest of the offensive coaching staff and how they're able to set the tone and communicate information on the sidelines," McDaniel said.

He added the "impetus" for making the change was his experience working with San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan, who called plays from the box when serving as offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons in 2015 and 2016.

McDaniel also said when discussing the decision he felt he should take on some of the "burden" being carried by Justin Herbert after the quarterback threw an NFL-high 10 interceptions during his team's winless start.

"To their credit, the guys see a vision of how they can play to the standard with which we have yet to meet... I have reasonable expectation for things to improve," McDaniel said.

The Chargers are heading into the weekend ranked 26th in the NFL in total passing yards and 18th in total rushing yards.

Harbaugh said after his team put up 295 total yards of offense but scored no touchdowns and committed two turnovers against the Rams he would be sticking with both Herbert and McDaniel going forward.

When asked after Sunday's loss what gave him confidence to stick with his offensive coordinator, Harbaugh said it would be "team effort" to improve going forward.

The Chargers are preparing to face a Texans defense that has allowed the fifth-most passing yards against in the NFL so far this season. McDaniel will hope his bird's-eye view can help Herbert take advantage of those struggles when Sunday's matchup kicks off Sunday at 4:05 p.m. ET at SoFi Stadium.