The Chargers wasted no time responding to a historically bad Thursday night loss to the Raiders, firing both head coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco on Friday. Los Angeles’ move marks the third different in-season coaching change of the 2023 NFL season, and they could just be a precursor to more overhaul in the 2024 offseason.
As it stands now, which of the current vacancies is most attractive to potential suitors? This is how we would classify them:
Shot: Frank Reich | Temporary: Chris Tabor
Months ago, it wasn’t outlandish to suggest they had found their building blocks of the future in Reich, a veteran QB whisperer, and Bryce Young, the first pick in the draft. But Young has yet to operate at anything close to NFL speed through an almost full rookie season, and their offensive lineup is devoid of short- or long-term playmakers. The defense has legitimate talent that could be auctioned off to restock the shelves, and they have the advantage of playing in a perennially ugly NFC South division. Like Trevor Lawrence in Jacksonville, it’s not unreasonable to think that Young can’t make a significant leap back to collegiate form with better support from both the sidelines and his lineup. But that will require patience from owner David Tepper, who is notoriously hands-on. And they won’t have an early first-round pick in the 2024 draft, slated to pick No. 33 at best.
2. Raiders
Shot: Josh McDaniels | Temporary: Antonio Pierce
The Panthers have several assets that the Raiders do not: 1.) a bona fide, albeit ailing, QB prospect; and 2.) a division that doesn’t include a whopping three logical playoff contenders in the Chiefs, Broncos and Chargers. But owner Mark Davis, for all his own struggles building continuity, has proven willing to spend big to help his staff, and Las Vegas is projected to have more than $50 million in 2024 salary cap space, via Over the Cap — 10th best among all teams. Couple that with a potential top-10 pick — they’re currently on track for the No. 10 pick — and the resources are there to take at least one big swing at a QB reboot, as long as Aidan O’Connell doesn’t. appear as a legitimate initial candidate. They also have some top stars in Davante Adams and Maxx Crosby who could either stay as immediate relief or be traded to facilitate a proper rebuild.
1. Chargers
Shot: Brandon Staley | Temporary: Don Smith
Ownership is equally mercurial here, with Dean and John Spanos struggling to achieve the right mix of talent and reliable coaching. And they have a lot of money tied up in big names in the near future, projected to be more than $42M over the 2024 cap. But having a top-tier QB makes up for it a lot, hence their obvious appeal. Justin Herbert may still have hurdles to clear as a late-season leader, but guess what? Also respected vets like Dak Prescott and Kirk Cousins, who are much older and somehow not nearly as physically gifted. Still only 25, Herbert alone is an attractive partner, balancing the fact Los Angeles plays in the tough AFC West. And the Chargers’ 2023 struggles currently have them on pace for a first-round pick in the 2024 draft, which could go a long way toward filling an area of need. If all goes well, they have the stuff to get back into the playoff mix in no time.
