The Los Angeles Chargers hired Mike McDaniel as their offensive coordinator for 2026-27. That means Justin Herbert gets a new play-caller who designs the entire offense around him. But one ESPN analyst isn’t looking at the quarterback first.
Ben Solak wrote in his latest column that the pairing he’s most intrigued by is McDaniel with running back Omarion Hampton. Not Herbert. Solak believes McDaniel’s run-game creativity will unlock something in Hampton that wasn’t fully visible last season.
Let’s be clear. Hampton is a 6-foot, 220-pound back who runs like he’s mad at the ground. He’s not the same player as De’Von Achane, the shifty speedster McDaniel used in Miami. Hampton is a downhill, contact-seeking runner who punishes tacklers instead of avoiding them. But he also has enough burst to hit the second level fast.
Omarion Hampton’s Rookie Year Looks Better on Tape Than the Box Score
Hampton played only nine games last season because of ankle issues. When he was out there, he ran for 545 yards on 4.4 yards per carry. He added 192 yards receiving and scored five touchdowns. Those numbers don’t jump off the page. But Solak argues the production undersells what Hampton can become.
“Far be it from me to take any wind out of the Herbert sails that are blowing strong in Los Angeles these days,” Solak wrote. “I simply think the salutary effect of McDaniel stepping into Greg Roman’s shoes has a reach far greater than just the passing game, and Hampton’s rookie season was far more promising than a cursory glance at his production would imply.”
Solak went further, calling Hampton “a big-play walking in an offense built to get big plays out of the running back.” And then: “Time for fireworks.”
That’s the kind of hype that stands out when most national analysts are focused on what McDaniel can do for Herbert’s deep ball or third-down efficiency. McDaniel is known for split-zone runs, jet sweeps, and motion-heavy schemes that create mismatches. Hampton has the size to handle a full workload and the feet to bounce runs outside when the defense overcommits.
What Mike McDaniel’s Scheme Could Do For a Power Back
McDaniel’s offense in Miami relied heavily on Achane and Raheem Mostert running through wide gaps created by pre-snap movement. The Dolphins led the league in yards per carry at one point. But neither Achane nor Mostert is built like Hampton. Hampton can run through arm tackles. He can fall forward for extra yards. And if McDaniel can scheme him into open space against safeties and cornerbacks, Hampton has the power to turn 5-yard runs into 20-yard runs.
That’s the bet Solak is making. That McDaniel’s system fits Hampton better than it might seem at first glance. Not every offensive coordinator with a track record of speed backs can adjust for a power runner. But McDaniel is creative enough to make it work. And if Hampton stays healthy, the Chargers could have a backfield that keeps defenses guessing all season.
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