The Los Angeles Chargers are actively working to improve their offensive line to better protect quarterback Justin Herbert as they prepare for the upcoming NFL season. The team’s focus on enhancing the “Justin Herbert offensive line” comes after several difficult playoff losses and a troubling number of sacks allowed in recent years.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh has expressed his ambition to see Herbert reach the Hall of Fame, yet the immediate challenge remains getting past the AFC wildcard round, where Herbert has struggled despite his talent. The Chargers believe that reinforcing the offensive front is essential to giving their star quarterback the time and protection he needs on the field.
Urgent Need to Upgrade the Interior Offensive Line
The Chargers’ interior offensive line has been one of the weakest units in the league, a critical concern heading into the offseason. Two starting linemen are in the final year of their contracts, giving the organization a chance to pursue stronger players through the NFL Draft. After being seeded 22nd in the 2026 draft following a loss to the New England Patriots, attention has turned to selecting key linemen to improve pass protection and run blocking.
ESPN analyst Field Yates recently suggested the Chargers could use their first-round pick to draft Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane, a player known for his physicality and consistency in keeping defenders at bay. Ioane has allowed zero sacks in the past two seasons and is considered one of the most rugged offensive linemen available in the draft.
“No fan base needs to be reminded less on the importance of offensive line play and health than the Chargers’ faithful. Los Angeles allowed 60 sacks last season while quarterback Justin Herbert was hit more than any other signal-caller. The return of Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater from injury will go a long way, as will the hiring of Mike McDaniel at offensive coordinator, but the interior needs reinforcements,” Field Yates, ESPN analyst
Integrating Ioane should help reduce the pressure on Herbert, supporting him in both pass protection and run blocking. During his college career, Ioane earned top-tier grades, ranking among the best guards nationally, a statistic that inspires hope for a stronger offensive line unit in Los Angeles.
“Enter Ioane, a no-nonsense, rugged guard who is perhaps the most physical offensive player in the class. He’s a body-mover as a run blocker and terrific in pass protection, not allowing a single sack over the past two seasons,” Field Yates, ESPN analyst
Given Herbert’s struggles with offensive line weaknesses in past seasons, the arrival of a player like Ioane could make a significant difference in his performance and overall offensive efficiency.
Changes in Coaching Staff to Support Offensive Improvements
The Chargers recently made changes to their coaching staff aimed at reinvigorating their offensive approach. Former offensive coordinator Greg Roman was relieved of his duties following disappointing playoff outings, and Miami Dolphins‘ ex-head coach Mike McDaniel has been appointed as the new offensive coordinator.
Along with McDaniel, the Chargers replaced former offensive line coach Mike Devlin with Butch Barry, who also arrives from Miami’s coaching staff. Barry’s experience is expected to complement McDaniel’s strategies, providing familiarity and cohesion to the coaching unit supporting Justin Herbert.
With key offensive linemen such as Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater returning from injuries, and the possibility of adding Olaivavega Ioane to the roster, Los Angeles hopes to transform its offensive line from a liability into one of the league’s strongest units. This step is crucial for reducing the quarterback’s sack count and enhancing overall offensive effectiveness.
Looking Ahead: The Impact on Justin Herbert and the Chargers
The Chargers’ efforts to bolster the offensive line will be under close scrutiny as the draft approaches and the new season unfolds. For Justin Herbert, improved protection is essential to maximizing his potential and overcoming past postseason disappointments. A sturdier offensive front could grant him the time needed to execute plays effectively and elevate the team’s competitiveness in the AFC.
The combination of new coaching staff, returning healthy linemen, and fresh talent from the draft could positively reshape Los Angeles’s offensive performance. Fans and analysts alike await to see if these changes will help the Chargers finally progress beyond their recent playoff struggles and secure a deeper postseason run.
Chargers are hiring Butch Barry as their new offensive line coach, per source.
Barry has been Dolphins OL coach under Mike McDaniel for last 3 years maximizing their room. He rejoins McDaniel in LA. pic.twitter.com/hCg7lfJWvn
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) January 28, 2026
