Omarion Hampton
Getty
Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton
The Los Angeles Chargers made two consecutive playoff appearances for the first time since the 2008-09 seasons, but failed to pass the AFC wildcard round.
Now entering its third season with Jim Harbaugh at the helm of the team, the Bolts’ coaching staff looks different.
Mike McDaniel is the new offensive coordinator, replacing Greg Roman, who was relieved of his duties after being the head coach of the Miami Dolphins for the last four seasons.
With a young, promising supporting cast on offense, McDaniel could be set up for success in his first season as OC in Los Angeles.
First Round Rookie Makes a Leap In 2026
Omarion Hampton Los Angeles Chargers
GettyOmarion Hampton #8 of the Los Angeles Chargers
Mike McDaniel and Justin Herbert are the notable pairing with the hiring of the offensive coordinators, but it is known what the quarterback can do, as he received an MVP vote at the 2026 NFL Honors.
The weapons on the Los Angeles Chargers are set improve with the new OC, including first-round selection from the 2025 NFL Draft, Omarion Hampton.
The rookie running back was able to show his abilities, including rushing for 128 yards and a touchdown in Week 4, before suffering an ankle fracture that sidelined him in the middle part of the season.
Now healed up and with a new offensive playcaller, Gilberto Manzano of Sports Illustrated believes Hampton will make a leap in the 2026 season with McDaniel calling the plays.
“If Hampton can stay healthy after missing eight games as a rookie, he might be headed for a dominant second season with the arrival of new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, who helped De’Von Achane produce a career season in Miami in 2025,” Manzano wrote. “Hampton, the No. 22 pick, doesn’t have Achane’s speed, but he has size and versatility, standing at 6′ 0″, 220 pounds. McDaniel doesn’t need elite speed to run his offense efficiently after spending several years working under Kyle Shanahan and running the zone blocking scheme.”
“Also, let’s not overlook the possibility of Hampton seeing several sizable running lanes if stud tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater stay healthy this season. Hampton recorded 124 carries for 545 yards and four touchdowns, often showing his high potential as a rookie.”
Hampton was set to share snaps with Najee Harris in the 2025 season, but the latter suffered a season-ending Achilles tear in Week 3, allowing Hampton to get more snaps, as he rushed for almost 200 yards in the next two games before his injury.
When on the field, the running back rushed for a minimum of 50 yards in five of his nine career games. In the pass game, Hampton registered 4 games with at least 25 receiving yards.
The former North Carolina Tar Heel forced 32 missed tackles, 15 missed tackles and had 14 runs that were for more than 10 yards.
The former first-round pick is, as of now, set to become the lead back for the Chargers next season.
Mike McDaniel on Running the Ball
Mike McDaniel
GettyNew Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel
Before becoming the head coach of the Dolphins, Mike McDaniel was part of the San Francisco 49ers coaching staff as the run game coordinator/specialist before becoming the offensive coordinator.
In his introductory press conference, the new Bolts OC mentioned that Jim Harbaugh “likes to run the ball” and alluded to his coaching history that can help the offense out.
“That core, foundational belief that football is inside-out, prioritizing line-of-scrimmage play and being able to win games when you have a lead with nine minutes to go and can keep the defense off the field,” McDaniel said. “I think those types of things, that’s where the like-minded, football 101, core values of football kind of overlap.”
With a new offensive coordinator who has a history in the run game, Greg Roman hasn’t held a coaching title associated with the run; Hampton is set to have a good sophomore season.