Former Chargers All-Pro linebacker Shawne Merriman is high on his old squad as the 2026 season approaches.
In a recent interview with OutKick, Merriman said that he believes Mike McDaniel made the best decision of his career by joining the Chargers and Justin Herbert.
"I think Mike McDaniel has made the best decision of his career," Merriman told OutKickin a recent interview. "That’s even outside of leaving the San Francisco 49ers. I think they had something fun, an explosive offense at one time with [Jaylen] Waddle, Tyreek Hill and things like that out in Miami. But he had an opportunity to get a head coaching job at a couple of places, and he didn’t feel it was right.
"So, what happens is you take the best position that puts you back in the driver’s
seat after this next year or two so you can go take the job you want."
McDaniel's addition is set to do wonders for the Chargers offense.
Many predict Herbert will have his best season yet and finally get over the hump in the playoffs. While the Chargers have experienced back-to-back playoff appearances, the offense has been dormant in those outings.
Los Angeles mustered only 15 points across their last two playoff contests, leading the Chargers to hire McDaniel after the 2025 season ended.
The expectations are sky-high for the Bolts and even more so for Herbert. Merriman believes Herbert will make everyone around him better, ultimately leading to the offense being a juggernaut.
"Justin Herbert had to be the biggest influence of going there, because now you have an explosive quarterback," Merriman added. "He’s an explosive offensive coordinator, so the deep balls down the field, we’ve already seen Quentin Johnston down the field – he’s explosive. You’ve got Ladd McConkey who can work the middle of the field and get open in shorter routes. You have a hell of a running back that comes back healthy this year. …They have an explosive opportunity to win."
Merriman spent most of his career with the Chargers. They drafted Merriman 12th overall in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft.
The 42-year-old spent his first six seasons in the NFL with the Chargers, winning Defensive Rookie of the Year, earning first-team All-Pro honors and making three Pro Bowls. Merriman also led the league in sacks in 2006.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Shawne Merriman applauds Mike McDaniel joining Chargers, Herbert
