Chargers' Justin Herbert Works on Footwork Adjustment Under New Coordinator Mike McDaniel

Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel is implementing a significant footwork adjustment for quarterback Justin Herbert during the team's offseason program in El Segundo, California. McDaniel has taken an unconventional approach by removing the football from Herbert's hands during portions of organized team activities, asking the quarterback to work with an exercise ball instead while simulating drop-backs and ceding throwing reps to backups Trey Lance and DJ Uiagalelei.

The adjustment involves teaching Herbert to lead with his non-dominant left foot, a departure from his practice of putting his right foot forward at the snap during his first six NFL seasons. McDaniel believes this technique, which emphasizes the non-throwing-hand foot forward, offers advantages that can be maximized when implemented intentionally over a single offseason. He first noticed the approach while working as an assistant to Kyle Shanahan with the Houston Texans in 2007, where they observed that Hall of Famer Brett Favre used this technique throughout his career. Tom Brady also adopted it in 2007, the season he threw 50 touchdown passes to set what was then a single-season league record.

McDaniel's strategy focuses on process over results, keeping Herbert's attention on footwork rather than throwing outcomes. "When you don't watch a ball go, you don't attribute any emotions toward 'Oh, that was a good throw,' " McDaniel explained. The coordinator argues that isolating footwork allows Herbert to master it subconsciously so it becomes automatic during game situations. This footwork change is designed to work in concert with McDaniel's offensive system, which emphasizes quicker passing plays that allow receivers to accumulate yards after the catch.

Herbert was receptive to the request despite his historical preference for extensive throwing practice. The quarterback spent his college career at Oregon working in a neutral stance with evenly placed feet, making the transition more natural. Herbert has acknowledged that the approach serves dual purposes: mastering the new footwork while ensuring his arm remains fresh heading into the season's stretch run. McDaniel brings experience implementing this technique, having previously introduced it with quarterbacks during his time in Washington starting in 2010 and continuing through his four seasons as Miami Dolphins head coach, where he worked with left-handed quarterback Tua Tagovailoa using a similar approach.