The Chargers fired both Offensive Coordinator Joe Lombardi, and Quarterbacks Coach Shane Day on Tuesday morning. Losing both the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach most certainly means an entire scheme change for the Charger's offense. Here is a potential candidate to lead the Charger's offensive playcalling next season.
Jerrod Johnson History
Jerrod Johnson played quarterback at Texas A&M and went undrafted in the 2011 NFL Draft. He bounced around the USFL and IFL football leagues and had stints on a handful of NFL practice squads from 2011-2016.
Johnson began coaching as part of the Bill Walsh diversity coaching fellowship beginning with the 49ers in 2017, and the Indianapolis Colts in 2019. He was promoted as a Offensive Quality Control Coach for the Colts from 2020-2021. The Minnesota Vikings then hired him to be the Assistant Quarterbacks Coach in 2022 under head coach Kevin O’Connell . The Chargers put in a request for Johnson to interview for the role of Offensive Coordinator.
Case For Jarrod Johnson
Johnson is technically part of the Sean McVay coaching tree considering Kevin O’Connell lines trace back to him. Johnson’s main draw is experience with that knowledge base from this season when the Vikings went 13-4 during the regular season. This year, Kirk Cousins threw for over 4,500 yards and 29 touchdowns. Even more impressive is Justin Jefferson’s 1,809 yard season with 8 touchdowns.
The Vikings are also much more balanced with a steady rushing attack. Dalvin Cook churned out 1,173 yards in the ground with eight scores. In all, the Vikings had 18 rushing touchdowns and averaged 4.1 yards per carry. There is value in having an offensive coordinator who comes from a team with a balanced passing and rushing attack.
Case Against Jerrod Johnson
One common theme with Chargers candidates for the offensive coordinator position is the lack of experience. Johnson was not a prolific quarterback as a player and he lacks experience as a play caller. While the Vikings were a balanced attack offensively, Johnson is not due the credit for their offensive success. That credit goes to Head Coach Kevin O’Connell and Offensive Coordinator Wes Phillips.
Even Passing Game Coordinator/ Tight Ends Coach Brian Angelichio and Pass Game Specialist Ryan Cordell played a much greater role then Johnson. Another coach on the roster being sought out for an offensive coordinator position is Wide Receivers Coach Keenan McCardell who has better NFL experience as both a player and a coach. McCardell is interviewing for the Patriots Offensive Coordinator vacancy.
Bottom Line
It doesn’t seem like Jerrod Johnson has the knowledge base, play-calling experience, or the background to be elevated as of yet. It is surprising that the Chargers reached out for an interview when they are much more notable names on the Vikings coaching staff, let alone the rest of the NFL. This would be a very surprising hire if the interview led to a job for a very important position on the Chargers coaching staff.
Comments