Jim Harbaugh has the Los Angeles Chargers back to their winning ways after two seasons with the franchise – now, they’re hoping to take the next step.
Over the past two years, the Chargers have posted identical seasons – finishing the regular season at 11-6, advancing to the playoffs, and then losing in the Wild Card Round. Of course, that’s better than where they were immediately before Harbaugh’s arrival – they went just 5-12 the season before he was hired, and they had not made the postseason in back-to-back years before last season since 2008-2009.
But ideally, the Chargers would like to win a few more postseason games and inevitably bring home a championship like the one Harbaugh won at Michigan. So, what are the ceiling and floor for the Chargers in 2026?
Ceiling: 12-5
This team didn’t make quite enough moves along the offensive line, which was one of its biggest needs on the roster. And Jesse Minter, who has been a crucial part of Harbaugh’s recent success, both at the collegiate and professional level, is now off to the Ravens to take his first head coaching opportunity. This team could pull an extra win if things go well, but it doesn’t feel set up for much beyond what it’s already seen.
Floor: 8-9
Once again, Minter has been around for much of Harbaugh’s recent successful run, during which Harbaugh has made multiple College Football Playoff and NFL Playoff appearances. Harbaugh can flat-out coach, but there could also be an adjustment period ahead as he loses the glue holding his defensive staff together. And if the offensive line hasn’t improved and those two factors combine, it’s not unreasonable to expect the Chargers to falter this season.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: What is the ceiling (and floor) for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2026?
About the Author
