Butch Barry is set to become the Chargers’ new offensive line coach. Barry spent the last three seasons as the Dolphins’ OL coach under McDaniel, and his reunion with McDaniel in LA is part of a broader push to strengthen the staff around quarterback Justin Herbert. Barry will have the task of mentoring top tackle prospects such as Joe Alt, who is aiming to return from a season-ending ankle injury, along with Rashawn Slater, who is working back from a torn patellar tendon.
The Chargers aren’t stopping at the offensive line. Chris O’Leary has been named as the team’s new defensive coordinator, returning to LA after previously serving on the staff during Jesse Minter’s tenure in 2024. O’Leary spent 2025 coordinating Western Michigan’s defense in the MAC, and his hiring completes a replacement for Minter on the Chargers’ defensive side.
Harbaugh’s involvement is underscored by the report that a former McDaniel assistant is being added to run the Chargers’ offense, a move that has Justin Herbert “geeked” about the incoming system. The development was highlighted by NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe on Thursday, signaling a coordinated effort to align the Chargers’ staff with McDaniel’s methodology.
Alongside the new coordinator moves, the Chargers have also filled the coaching staff gap at offensive line by bringing in Barry and are transitioning out other staffers. Mike Delvin, the former OL coach, and former offensive coordinator Greg Roman were let go following the Chargers’ early playoff exit against the eventual AFC champion, per the surrounding reporting.
Overall, the staffing changes reflect the Chargers’ strategy to build continuity around Justin Herbert and implement a McDaniel-influenced system, leveraging Harbaugh’s connections and a fresh cohort of coaches to support both the run game and the passing attack while addressing key injury recoveries on the roster.
