The Detroit Lions have made changes to their offensive staff since the season ended, as they are making it a priority improve that side of the ball. While they are looking to do that, so are other teams around the league, and the competition for offensive coordinators just got harder.
On Tuesday, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported that the Los Angeles Chargers fired offensive coordinator Greg Roman. With another spot available, there's another opponent that has jumped into the OC sweepstakes.
Along with Jim Harbaugh being the head coach of the Chargers and similar foundations in terms of LA and the Lions, it should worry Detroit.
Chargers OC Firing Should Bother the Lions
Harbaugh is a tough-nosed coach who believes everything starts with the trenches. He's a run-first type of coach who has an offense with plenty of playmakers spread all around. Los Angeles features Justin Herbert, Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, Omarion Hampton, and Oronde Gadsden.
That's a nice collection of playmakers and will make the Chargers an enticing option. Meanwhile, the Lions are also a team that loves to run the ball, but went away from that this season. Look for them to head back into that area next season, and the next offensive coordinator will be told so.
The same message will be given to whoever the Chargers interview over this cycle, but it wouldn't be surprising to see candidates speak with both teams. Los Angeles and Detroit are two of the best OC openings in the league right now due to the combination of playmakers on both teams, along with the stability at head coach.
These teams have very similar philosophies, and rushing the ball is a big area of that. And the numbers back that up.
Los Angeles Chargers | Detroit Lions |
|---|---|
2024 Total Carries: 463 (T-10th) | 2024 Total Carries: 534 (3rd) |
2024 Total Rushing Yards: 110.7 (17th) | 2024 Total Rushing Yards: 146.4 (6th) |
2025 Total Carries: 466 (14th) | 2025 Total Carries: 442 (19th) |
2025 Rushing Yards Per Game: 121.6 (11th) | 2025 Rushing Yards Per Game: 120.1 (13th) |
The level of comfort these organizations will give candidates is welcoming and puts them at the top of the list. Yet, this isn't the best news for Lions fans. Los Angeles is a great landing spot and could potentially sway some guys from joining the Lions.
This may force Detroit to act more quickly when it comes to interviewing and hiring its next offensive coordinator. They should take their time to find the best possible coach for the opening, but the firing of Roman adds some urgency to the Lions' search.
Los Angeles has made the playoffs for two straight years and is looking to take that next jump. It's a similar outlook around the Lions, and the fact that both teams need an OC will make things interesting.