The Los Angeles Chargers are entering the 2026 season with plenty of eyes on the new duo of offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel and franchise quarterback Justin Herbert.
McDaniel arrived in Los Angeles with a reputation for running creative, quarterback-friendly offenses, and expectations are high for what the Bolts can become with Herbert operating his system. But McDaniel knows he does not have to figure everything out about his quarterback on his own.
That is where Shane Day comes into the picture.
McDaniel recently explained just how valuable Day has been during the transition, emphasizing the existing relationship between the quarterbacks coach and Herbert.
"Being able to really lean on Shane has been monumental for me," McDaniel said.
That familiarity has allowed McDaniel to accelerate the teaching process rather than starting from scratch with Herbert. Day already understands how Herbert learns, communicates and operates, giving McDaniel another resource as he installs an entirely new offensive system.
"Realistically, relying on that relationship as we all are… But it's been awesome," McDaniel said.
The Chargers brought Day back for his second stint with the organization, and he enters 2026 as both the quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator. His previous experience with Herbert gives him an understanding of the quarterback that McDaniel simply could not have when he first arrived.
McDaniel specifically highlighted how quickly Day was able to translate his concepts to Herbert.
"The accelerated teaching… he knew exactly how everything was framed," McDaniel said.
Herbert's talent has never been in question. The goal now is finding ways to maximize it.
And Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey believes that is exactly what is coming.
"That guy's a stud," McConkey said of Herbert. "He's one of the best in the league to do it and he's going to show everyone that."
That confidence from one of Herbert's top targets speaks to the belief inside the locker room.
McConkey has previously discussed the importance of developing timing with Herbert in the new offense, particularly because McDaniel's system places an emphasis on quick decisions and getting the football into playmakers' hands.
That connection could become one of the most important pieces of the Bolt's offense.
For Herbert, the biggest opportunity is showing that a new system can bring out another level. With McDaniel pushing him outside his comfort zone and Day helping bridge the gap between coach and quarterback, Los Angeles is betting that Herbert's best football may still be ahead of him.
