Los Angeles Chargers Fire 2 Offensive Coaches

The Los Angeles Chargers are making radical changes to their offense following a disappointing Wildcard Round exit. The team announced it was parting ways with offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi and passing game coordinator/quarterbacks coach Shane Day.

We have parted ways with OC Joe Lombardi and Passing Game Coordinator/QBs Shane Day.
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) January 17, 2023

The Chargers ranked 13th in points scored and ninth in yards gained this past regular season, but that was down from fifth and fourth in 2021. Generally, they've suffered from excessive timidity: despite an explosive arm and star wide receivers at his service, quarterback Justin Herbert ranked 31st in the league among qualified passers in intended air yards per attempt this past season. All too often, the team settled for check-downs and dump-offs to running back Austin Ekeler, who set a franchise record with 107 catches in 2022.

The Chargers bungled a 27-0 lead in a humiliating Wildcard Round 31-30 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars Saturday night, so heads were bound to roll. The Chargers offense was one of the best in the league as recently as 2021 so it's possible Lombardi and Day will land on their feet, perhaps even avoiding demotions. Lombardi has previously served under Sean Payton as an offensive assistant and quarterbacks coach, and Day worked as a quarterbacks coach for Kyle Shanahan.