The Los Angeles Chargers have made significant changes to their coaching staff, announcing the termination of offensive coordinator Greg Roman and offensive line coach Mike Devlin. This decision comes on the heels of the team's disappointing 16-3 playoff loss to the New England Patriots, a game in which quarterback Justin Herbert struggled to find his rhythm.
Coach Jim Harbaugh's post-game comments hinted at the possibility of Roman's departure, marking a noticeable shift in his tone regarding the offensive coordinator's role. The Chargers' offense, under Roman's guidance, failed to impress in the postseason, scoring a mere one touchdown over two games. This lackluster performance is a far cry from the promising start to the season, where the team's passing offense appeared seamless, and the offensive line provided Herbert with ample protection.
Greg Roman is renowned for his creative approach to designing run-game plays, but his success is often predicated on having a dominant, physical offensive line. Unfortunately, the Chargers struggled to establish this foundation due to injuries and inconsistent performances from key players. The loss of left tackle Rashawn Slater to a season-ending injury in training camp and Joe Alt's limited playing time due to a high ankle injury significantly impacted the team's offensive line dynamics.
The Chargers' offensive line combinations were a testament to the team's struggles, with 29 different combinations used throughout the season – the third-highest in the league. The underwhelming performance of right guard Mekhi Becton, the team's top free agent signing, was a notable concern. Becton's struggles in both pass block win rate (91.2%) and run block win rate (63.4%) were evident, and his comments on Monday suggested that he never felt comfortable in Roman's scheme.
It was a lot of different things I'm not used to," Becton said, declining to elaborate on specific issues with Roman's system.
Despite Roman's impressive track record, including his time as associate head coach under Jim Harbaugh at Stanford and his subsequent tenure with the San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens, his stint with the Chargers was marred by criticism over the team's stagnant passing offense. This criticism ultimately led to his resignation from the Ravens after the 2022 season and has now resulted in his termination from the Chargers.
Mike Devlin, who joined the Chargers ahead of the 2024 season after working with the Ravens, has also been let go. Devlin's departure, combined with Roman's, signals a significant overhaul of the team's coaching staff. As the Chargers look to regroup and reassess their strategy, they will need to address the underlying issues that plagued their offense throughout the season.
The team's inability to establish a consistent, dominant offensive line and the lack of cohesion in their passing game will be key areas of focus. With Roman's creative approach to run-game design and his experience in building successful offenses, his departure will undoubtedly be felt. However, the Chargers' decision to move on from Roman and Devlin may ultimately prove to be a catalyst for change, allowing the team to re-evaluate their approach and work towards establishing a more balanced, effective offense.
As the Chargers move forward, they will be tasked with finding a new offensive coordinator and rebuilding their coaching staff. This process will be crucial in determining the team's future success, and the decisions made in the coming weeks and months will have a significant impact on the team's trajectory. With the NFL landscape constantly evolving, the Chargers will need to adapt and find a winning formula to remain competitive in the league.
In the world of professional sports, change is often necessary for growth and improvement. The Chargers' decision to part ways with Roman and Devlin may be a step in the right direction, allowing the team to reassess their strategy and work towards establishing a more effective, balanced offense. As the team embarks on this new chapter, one thing is certain: the upcoming season will be filled with excitement, uncertainty, and a renewed sense of purpose. The Chargers will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing playoff exit, and the road to redemption will be paved with hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence.
Original: ESPN
Image: ESPN
Written by Npsports
