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Chargers’ misery hits ironic 26-year low that’ll have Jim Harbaugh, Mike McDaniel on hot seat

Jim Harbaugh said “nobody is familiar with this” after the Los Angeles Chargers fell to a winless 0-7 on the season on Sunday.

Turns out, he’s the only one that is. 

Believe it or not, it’s been 26 years since the Chargers last started a season 0-7, and that was back in 2000 when Harbaugh himself was the quarterback. Now, as the head coach, he’s presiding over another historically disastrous start after yet another embarrassing loss, 24-9, to the Los Angeles Rams in the Battle for LA at SoFi Stadium. 

Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel points while standing near Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert and coach Jim Harbaugh on the sideline.
Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, left, talks to Justin Herbert and Jim Harbaugh on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, in Inglewood, Calif.

Talk about history repeating itself.

According to ESPN Insights, the Chargers haven’t scored a touchdown in nine consecutive quarters, spanning 27 straight possessions, the NFL’s longest such drought since Mike McDaniel’s Miami Dolphins went 30 drives without reaching the end zone in 2024.

Their last touchdown came Oct. 11 against the Denver Broncos. That’s 21 days without finding pay dirt, a staggering indictment of an offense led by Justin Herbert.

“I’m aware of that,” Harbaugh said. “We’re going to keep working and keep studying. It’s not a familiar position for any of the guys in our locker room and we’re the only ones who can change it. And we’re highly motivated and dedicated to change it.”

Herbert hasn’t helped matters, either. His two interceptions Sunday pushed his NFL-leading total to 10, repeatedly undermining a defense that kept the Chargers competitive early.

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh at a news conference.
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh listens to a question during a news conference in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026.

“I felt like our offense was getting into a rhythm,” Harbaugh said. “We had those three drives that didn’t end in scores. Our defense was playing extremely well, but when you turn the ball over and give them short drives, those are the issues.”

For a franchise that hired Harbaugh to restore its winning culture, the irony is almost cruel.

Los Angeles Rams linebacker Wesley Bailey tackles Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert as he releases a pass.
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert fumbles as Los Angeles Rams linebacker Wesley Bailey sacks him in Inglewood, Calif., Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026.

“It’s a team effort,” Harbaugh said. “We’re going to look at the film and see where we can get better. We’re the only ones who can fix it.”

The Chargers have spent three weeks searching for the end zone.

At this rate, they might need Waze to tell them how to get there.

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