Potential replacements for Jim Harbaugh

By: Jake Rajala

It would be an understatement to say 2026 hasn’t treated Jim Harbaugh well. He praised Justin Herbert and believed he would be a Hall of Fame-caliber QB. Well, both of them could be playing elsewhere next season. Of course, Mike McDaniel will likely be fired first. This doesn’t mean Harbaugh and Herbert won’t follow them. Hence, I’m going to lay out potential replacements for Harbaugh.

Mike McDaniel could be fired as the Chargers’ offensive coordinator soon, if they’re unable to make significant improvements, per @espn.

If Los Angeles cans McDaniel, Adam Gase would step in as the interim offensive coordinator. pic.twitter.com/tprq7qgolx

— Evan Sidery (@esidery) October 14, 2026

Adam Gase

This may not be overly popular, but Adam Gase has some chemistry with Herbert. Gase also has experience has an head coach. Of course, it didn’t end nicely for Gase. Nonetheless, he has familiarity with the ins and outs of being an head coach. Gase is also an offensive mind, so he will prioritize finding weapons for his QB.

Vance Joseph

The Broncos have one of the best defensive minds in Vance Joseph. His defense led the league in sacks last season. His unit is 13th in PPG allowed. I expect that to improve. The Broncos offense has let the defense out to dry. I believe the defense will improve once the offense controls the clock and scores more points.

Vance Joseph should be a head coach in the NFL next year. He's the reason the Broncos are 3-2 https://t.co/6RJryH1dIS

— Justin Adams (@justinadamsTV) October 11, 2026

Brian Flores

Brian Flores brings more heat than Gregg Williams. That says a lot. Flores was blitzing the vast majority of the time against Tyler Shough last week. It was cruel that he was fired in the first place. He put together a long winning streak in his last season in Miami.

Jason Garrett

I’d love to see Jason Garrett given another shot. After all, he has only had one losing season. He finished with a record of 85-67, which was admirable. He would have Herbert, who is arguably more talented than Tony Romo. Garrett does a fine job as an analyst, but I’d rather see him join a competitive team and win a Super Bowl.

Cowboys expected to part ways with Jason Garrett soon, Jerry Jones and Stephen Jones have moved with "abundance of care and respect" for Garrett, per @WerderEdESPN pic.twitter.com/fVz3Dg9q1C

— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) January 3, 2020

Mike Tomlin

Mike Tomlin is a future Hall of Famer. There is no question about that. He will have to choose whether he wants to come back and coach, or wait to get his gold jacket sooner. The question is: Are the Chargers a team that’s really tempting to join?

In the end, I believe Harbaugh will find more success in the NFL. I don’t believe he will finish on a high note with the Chargers, however. I do believe that Herbert will stick with the Chargers and that a new coach will build around him.