Los Angeles Chargers Lock Down Eight New Coaches—Here’s What It Means For 2026

The Los Angeles Chargers made it official Friday, announcing eight fresh faces joining Jim Harbaugh’s coaching staff for the 2026 campaign. And frankly, some of these hires carry more weight than others. Let’s break down who’s coming aboard and what it means for a team that’s trying to shake off another playoff letdown.

The Big Gets: Barry and Spence Bring Real Pedigree

Butch Barry slides in as the new offensive line coach, replacing Mike Devlin, who got the axe alongside Greg Roman last month. Barry’s no stranger to coaching Offensive Coordinator Mike McDaniel—they spent three years together in Miami, where the Dolphins consistently fielded one of the league’s better run-blocking units.

Given how Justin Herbert spent large chunks of last season running for his life, Barry’s hiring feels less like a luxury and more like a necessity. The Chargers averaged just 3.8 yards per carry in 2025, good for 26th in the league. That won’t cut it if they’re serious about playoff football.

Sean Spence takes over the linebackers room from NaVorro Bowman, who resigned after just one season. Spence comes from Western Michigan, where he coached under new Chargers Defensive Coordinator Chris O’Leary in 2025. During that season, Spence developed Broncos star edge rusher Nadame Tucker, who led the nation with 14.5 sacks.

The connection between Spence and O’Leary shouldn’t be overlooked. When a defensive coordinator brings his guys with him, it typically means the scheme install goes smoother and faster. That matters when you’re trying to rebuild a defense that got torched for 28.1 points per game last year.

The Reunion Tour Continues

Several of these hires feel like McDaniel assembling his greatest hits. Chandler Henley (tight ends coach) spent four seasons with McDaniel in Miami, most recently as their run game specialist. Rob Everett (offensive assistant) was with McDaniel for two years. Max McCaffrey (running backs coach) spent three seasons as an offensive assistant under McDaniel, including 2023 when Miami led the NFL, averaging 401.3 net yards per game.

There’s comfort in familiarity, sure. But it also raises questions about whether this is McDaniel’s best available staff or just his most comfortable one.

The Wildcard: Adam Gase Returns

Here’s where things get interesting—and maybe a little concerning. Adam Gase joins as the passing game specialist after a five-year hiatus from the NFL. His last gig? Head coach of the New York Jets, where he posted a 9-23 record across two miserable seasons. Before that, he went 23-25 with the Dolphins.

Gase made his bones as an offensive coordinator with the Broncos and Bears, helping Peyton Manning and Jay Cutler, respectively. But his head coaching tenure was marked by conservative play-calling, stubborn personnel decisions, and an uncanny ability to alienate star players.

The hope here is that Gase has spent his time away from the game reflecting, learning, and preparing for a reduced role where his offensive mind can shine without the distractions of head coaching responsibilities. Time will tell if that’s reality or wishful thinking.

Rounding Out the Staff

Julian Campenni (assistant defensive line coach) arrives after two seasons at Rutgers. Denzel Martin (assistant outside linebackers coach) spent a decade with the Pittsburgh Steelers, including the last three years coaching outside linebackers.

These are solid depth hires—guys who can develop young talent and provide quality coaching on the back end of the roster.

What This Means for Herbert and Company

The Chargers needed to shake things up after limping to a 10-7 record and a swift playoff exit. Herbert threw just 18 touchdowns against 12 interceptions last season—career worsts across the board. The offensive line was a turnstile. The running game was nonexistent.

Bringing in Barry to fix the trenches and surrounding McDaniel with familiar faces gives the Chargers their best shot at unlocking the offense everyone knows is hiding somewhere inside SoFi Stadium. Whether Gase can contribute meaningfully or become a storyline for all the wrong reasons remains the biggest question mark.

On defense, O’Leary and Spence reuniting gives the linebacker corps a real shot at improvement. If Khalil Mack can stay healthy for one more season and the secondary can avoid the injury bug, this defense might actually become respectable.

The Bottom Line

These hires suggest the Chargers are betting big on chemistry and continuity—particularly on offense, where McDaniel’s reunion with his Miami staff could pay immediate dividends. But championship windows don’t stay open forever, and Herbert’s already entering his sixth season without a playoff win.

The clock’s ticking in Los Angeles. These eight coaches better hit the ground running because another disappointing season might mean Harbaugh’s making another round of calls this time next year.