The Los Angeles Chargers are expected to bring back offensive coordinator Shane Steichen for the 2020 season, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo.
Steichen was promoted from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator when Ken Whisenhunt was relieved midway through the 2019 season.
With Steichen’s contract set to expire, a decision had to be made either way and it appears like they are confident in the 34-year old calling the plays when Los Angeles moves into their new stadium.
Despite finishing 5-11, Steichen slightly improved the Bolts’ offense from 350.63 yards per game under Whisenhunt to 384.25 yards per game under him.
Other notable improvements on the offensive side of the ball include the running game and red zone efficiency.
The Chargers averaged 3.48 yards per carry on 160 carries under Whisenhunt, while Steichen had the unit averaging 4.35 yards per carry on 206 carries.
The red zone touchdown percentage leaped from 48.1% under Whisenhunt to 57.7% under Steichen.
Steichen has been praised by both coach Anthony Lynn and general manager Tom Telesco. Considering he didn’t have a full slate to design his own playbook, Steichen will now be able to form his own offensive identity, with that possibly being revolved around the quarterback of the future.
