Chargers Shake Up Coaching Staff, Fire Greg Roman After Playoff Defeat

The Los Angeles Chargers have officially entered a period of transition following a disappointing exit from the 2026 postseason. On Tuesday, January 13, the team announced a major restructuring of their offensive leadership, a move prompted by a stagnant performance in the AFC Wild Card round. The decision to see the Chargers fire Greg Roman comes after a 16-3 loss to the New England Patriots, a game in which the offense failed to find the end zone and managed just 207 total yards, marking one of the least productive outings in the franchise’s playoff history.

The End of a Long-Standing Partnership

The move is particularly significant given the deep history between head coach Jim Harbaugh and his now-former offensive coordinator. By choosing to Chargers fire Greg Roman, Harbaugh has severed a professional tie that spanned over a decade, including successful stints at Stanford and with the San Francisco 49ers. Despite their past triumphs, the lack of offensive evolution over the last two seasons in Los Angeles proved too much to ignore, as the unit plummeted to 20th in the league in scoring during the 2025 campaign.

Playoff Struggles and Offensive Stagnation

While the regular season showed flashes of potential, the postseason was a different story for the Bolts’ attack. Fans had grown weary of a “run-first” philosophy that often felt out of sync with the talents of a franchise quarterback, and the decision to Chargers fire Greg Roman was accelerated by the team scoring a combined total of only 15 points across their last two playoff games. In Sunday’s loss to New England, the offense was held scoreless on a pivotal early possession despite starting at the Patriots’ 10-yard line, a failure that many saw as the final nail in the coffin for the current scheme.

Offensive Line Woes and Additional Departures

Roman was not the only casualty of the staff purge, as the team also dismissed offensive line coach Mike Devlin on Tuesday. The choice to Chargers fire Greg Roman was coupled with Devlin’s exit after a season where the front five struggled immensely, allowing Justin Herbert to be sacked 60 times—the second-worst mark in the NFL. While injuries to star tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt certainly played a role, the inability of the depth players to adapt to the blocking schemes led the front office to believe a total “clean slate” was necessary for the offensive trenches.

Chargers Offensive Ranking Trends (2024-2025)

Player Reactions and Chemistry Concerns

The fallout from the coaching changes has also revealed some friction within the locker room regarding the team’s offensive identity. Following the news that the Chargers fire Greg Roman, veteran guard Mekhi Becton admitted to reporters that he never felt comfortable in the heavy-run system, citing a lack of familiarity with the specific techniques required. This sentiment echoed a growing concern among analysts that the scheme was a “square peg in a round hole” for a roster built around elite passing protection and high-volume receiving targets.

The Search for the Next Play-Caller

As the organization turns the page, the focus now shifts to who will be tasked with unlocking the full potential of Justin Herbert. By deciding to Chargers fire Greg Roman, Jim Harbaugh is signaling a desire for a more modern, balanced approach that can compete with the high-octane offenses of the AFC. The next offensive coordinator will be the fifth of Herbert’s young career, making it imperative that the Chargers find a long-term architect who can marry a physical ground game with a sophisticated vertical passing attack.

Looking Ahead to the 2026 Offseason

With the No. 22 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and a core of young talent including rookie running back Omarion Hampton, the vacancy is expected to be one of the most coveted in the league. The choice to Chargers fire Greg Roman was the first step in what Harbaugh calls a “new beginning” for the franchise. If the Chargers can land a premier play-caller to pair with a healthy offensive line, they remain a “sleeping giant” in a conference currently dominated by the likes of the Broncos and Chiefs.

The 2026 offseason is just beginning, but the message from the Bolts’ front office is loud and clear: mediocrity on offense will no longer be tolerated. The decision to Chargers fire Greg Roman marks the end of an era and the start of a high-stakes search for an identity that can finally lead Justin Herbert to his first postseason victory.