Sep 22, 2019; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) greets offensive coordinator Brian Daboll following the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
The Chargers seem set to hire Brian Daboll, and he’s the perfect coach to make Justin Herbert into a superstar.
Among the head coaching openings that were out there, and surely those that remain, the Los Angeles Chargers’ job is arguably the most appealing. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll has emerged as the favorite to land the job. The Orange County Register has a similar report.
The Chargers have a roster full of talent, and Justin Herbert in place as the franchise quarterback. Herbert started 15 games as a rookie this season, setting a rookie record with 31 touchdown passes and falling just 38 yards short of the rookie record for passing yards.
Daboll is near the end of his third season as Bills’ offensive coordinator. He has been easy to tie to the Chargers’ job, as he and general manager Tom Telesco went to high school together in New York. But Daboll is a fantastic fit beyond that.
Brian Daboll can take Justin Herbert to another level
In parallel with Daboll’s tenure as offensive coordinator, Bills’ quarterback Josh Allen has started 43 games over the last three seasons. Lack of accuracy was a black mark on him coming out of Wyoming, and in his first two NFL seasons nothing changed. The addition of wide receiver Stefon Diggs last offseason has been a huge factor, but Allen boosted his completion rate from 58.8 percent in 2019 to 69.2 this year. He is a legit MVP candidate.
As pre-draft comps for Herbert surfaced last spring, some writers saw Allen as an obvious comp—big, mobile and strong-armed fits both guys.
The Chargers can’t officially hire Daboll until the Bills’ season is over, which could be Saturday night with a loss to the Baltimore Ravens. But Telesco hinted the team would be patient in its search for the right coach, so waiting for Daboll for however long it took seemed to always be on the radar. Herbert has superstar written all over him, and Daboll’s work with Allen proves he’s the perfect coach for the Chargers and their young quarterback.