Tag: Joe Lombardi

Chargers TE Donald Parham listed among free agency losers

Donald Parham was the Los Angeles Chargers’ TE1 for a brief moment.

With the big-name free agents all but gone for the most, some players will benefit from the new change of scenery or situation, while some won’t be in the most ideal situation, likely due to another player coming in.

For Chargers tight end Donald Parham, he was the No. 1 player on the depth chart for a brief moment after Hunter Henry chose to sign with the Patriots. However, that quickly changed after the signing of veteran Jared Cook.

The Athletic’s Eric Moody listed the winners and losers of free agency, and he believes this offseason was a loss for the former XFL star.

There was a lot of excitement surrounding Parham once Hunter Henry signed with the Patriots. The 6’8″, 23-year-old tight end caught three touchdowns last season in a very limited role for the Chargers. Parham runs a 4.6 40 and has a 36-inch vertical leap. The Chargers, unfortunately, pumped the breaks on the hype train when they signed free-agent tight end Jared Cook. Perhaps Los Angeles isn’t ready to make Parham a full-time player.

Signed last offseason, Parham took advantage of his limited opportunities, as well as the season-ending injury to Virgil Green, where he recorded 10 catches for 159 yards and three touchdowns on 20 targets in 2020.

Even before the signing of Cook, Parham likely wasn’t seen as someone capable of manning the full-time starting role. While he’s an intriguing receiving option and a mismatch in the red zone, his blocking still leaves a lot to be desired.

Cook isn’t known for his blocking prowess either, but he does have plenty of experience as a starter in the league. Stephen Anderson, who was re-signed last week, is the one tight end on the roster who brings the run and pass-blocking chops.

Nonetheless, Parham could see an uptick in production from last season due to the influence that offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi will have from the Sean Payton type of offense, but he isn’t likely going to put up starter-like numbers.

Chargers sign former Saints backup QB Chase Daniel

The Los Angeles Chargers signed ex-Detroit Lions quarterback Chase Daniel, a former New Orleans Saints backup to Drew Brees.

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There was some thought that the New Orleans Saints could bring in another of Drew Brees’ old understudies to round out the depth chart behind Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill, but it won’t be Chase Daniel. Daniel signed with the Los Angeles Chargers; ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the deal runs just one year but with $1.5 million in guarantees, which is good money for a team’s second or third quarterback. The Saints weren’t going to pay that with their complicated salary cap situation.

Daniel has made a nice career for himself in that capacity. He’s traveled around the NFL for a decade as a backup to younger quarterbacks with the Chiefs, Eagles, Bears, and Lions, racking up north of $37.8 million along the way. That’s impressive considering Daniel has attempted fewer than 300 dropbacks to pass in his career (287, to be exact, taking 26 sacks and completing 178 throws). For anyone curious, the math on that comes up to more than $131,000 per dropback, and a staggering $212,000 per pass completion. Daniel’s talents don’t come cheap.

Now he’s reunited with offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, the Saints quarterbacks coach in both of his stints with New Orleans, from 2009 to 2012 and again in 2017. Expect Daniel to push Chargers backup Easton Stick for the right to chew sunflower seeds and buff out thumbprints on Justin Herbert’s tablet on the sidelines. And if Stick holds him off, well, Daniel will seek work while $1.5 million richer.

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Chargers sign QB Chase Daniel

The veteran quarterback will mentor Justin Herbert in an offense he knows well.

The Chargers added a veteran quarterback to the roster, signing QB Chase Daniel to one-year deal on Friday.

Daniel, 34, has bounced around the league for over a decade now, having spent four years with the Saints, three with the Chiefs, two with the Bears and one with both the Lions and Eagles.

During that timespan, the former Missouri product has thrown for only 1,694 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and seven interceptions.

Daniel has ties to offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, as the two spent four seasons together in New Orleans (2009-12).

Daniel has been considered an ideal veteran mentor for young quarterbacks, which is something he learned from Drew Brees during their time together with the Saints.

Daniel will battle it out with Easton Stick for the No. 2 spot on the depth chart. Even if he loses, Daniel is familiar with Lombardi’s offense, but most importantly, he’s able to serve as a preceptor to Justin Herbert.

Chargers signing former Saints tight end Jared Cook

The Los Angeles Chargers will sign former New Orleans Saints tight end Jared Cook, a 2021 salary cap cut with a frustrating history.

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ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Los Angeles Chargers will sign former New Orleans Saints tight end Jared Cook to a contract worth $6 million; his colleague Jeremy Fowler added that $4.5 million of the one-year deal is guaranteed.

So it means that Joe Lombardi is bringing one of his pass catchers with him to L.A. Lombardi, the former Saints quarterbacks coach, was hired earlier this offseason as the new Chargers offensive coordinator under first-year head coach Brandon Staley. That means his mission is to build the offense around promising young quarterback Justin Herbert; and with longtime Chargers tight end Hunter Henry off to New England, there was room for a veteran on top of the depth chart.

Cook had a frustrating two-year run in New Orleans, averaging just 2.8 receptions and 41.7 receiving yards per game, though he did post career-highs of 15.1 yards per reception and 16 total touchdown catches along the way. But drops (6) and fumbles (11) were an issue for him with the Saints, and it ultimately spelled the end of his tenure.

Because the Saints released Cook from his contract, he will not factor into the compensatory draft pick formula for 2022. Their other co-starter at tight end, Josh Hill, quickly signed with his former Saints position coach Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions, so the Saints are left with a bare cupboard at tight end between second-year pro Adam Trautman and a couple of practice squad holdovers in Garrett Griffin and Ethan Wolf.

Chargers signing former Saints tight end Jared Cook

The Los Angeles Chargers will sign former New Orleans Saints tight end Jared Cook, a 2021 salary cap cut with a frustrating history.

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ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Los Angeles Chargers will sign former New Orleans Saints tight end Jared Cook to a contract worth $6 million; his colleague Jeremy Fowler added that $4.5 million of the one-year deal is guaranteed.

So it means that Joe Lombardi is bringing one of his pass catchers with him to L.A. Lombardi, the former Saints quarterbacks coach, was hired earlier this offseason as the new Chargers offensive coordinator under first-year head coach Brandon Staley. That means his mission is to build the offense around promising young quarterback Justin Herbert; and with longtime Chargers tight end Hunter Henry off to New England, there was room for a veteran on top of the depth chart.

Cook had a frustrating two-year run in New Orleans, averaging just 2.8 receptions and 41.7 receiving yards per game, though he did post career-highs of 15.1 yards per reception and 16 total touchdown catches along the way. But drops (6) and fumbles (11) were an issue for him with the Saints, and it ultimately spelled the end of his tenure.

Because the Saints released Cook from his contract, he will not factor into the compensatory draft pick formula for 2022. Their other co-starter at tight end, Josh Hill, quickly signed with his former Saints position coach Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions, so the Saints are left with a bare cupboard at tight end between second-year pro Adam Trautman and a couple of practice squad holdovers in Garrett Griffin and Ethan Wolf.

Chargers could be potential suitor for QB Chase Daniel

Chase Daniel could be the veteran backup that the Los Angeles Chargers will be looking for.

The Chargers could be looking for a backup to quarterback Justin Herbert this offseason and one that might make sense is Lions’ Chase Daniel.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Detroit has had trade discussions with other teams regarding Daniel.

Rapoport notes that Daniel has been considered an ideal mentor for young quarterbacks, which is something he learned from Drew Brees during their time together with the Saints.

Daniel has bounced around the league for over a decade now, having spent four years in New Orleans, three with the Chiefs, two with the Bears and one with both the Lions and Eagles.

During that timespan, the former Missouri product has thrown for only 1,694 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and seven interceptions.’

The thing that makes Daniel an intriguing option is his familiarity with offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi. Daniel and Lombardi spent four seasons together in New Orleans (2009-12).

Should Los Angeles seek a trade for Daniel, they would have to owe him $9.5 million over the next two seasons. However, that’s relatively cheaper than some of the other backups in the league.

Therefore, trading a late draft pick for someone who’s familiar with Lombardi’s offensive philosophy, but most importantly, to serve as a veteran mentor to Herbert, could pay dividends.

Takeaways from new Chargers coaching staff

The Chargers coaching staff for the 2021 season is very well-rounded.

New Chargers head coach Brandon Staley introduced his first coaching staff on Thursday.

The staff is headed by the coordinators: Joe Lombardi on offense, Renaldo Hill on defense and Derius Swinton II on special teams.

Offense: Lombardi comes to Los Angeles with plenty of years working with quarterback Drew Brees. While his time as the offensive coordinator for the Lions was considered a bust, he has learned from his stint. The plan is to mesh with worked for quarterback Justin Herbert last year and what Lombardi picked up from Sean Payton when he was in New Orleans.

Passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach Shane Day will also be vital to Herbert’s development after he had the luxury of learning under Pep Hamilton last season. Day coached under 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, so he brings some experience under his system, which has had success in years prior.

Improving the offensive line will be a key focal point heading into the new season, and the additions of Frank Smith and Shane Sarrett are already a plus. Smith has worked with members of the Raiders and Saints. Meanwhile, Sarrett was responsible of grooming players on the Steelers offensive line, all of whom boasted some of the league’s top offensive lines.

The group is very diverse. Aside from quarterbacks, Day has coached offensive lineman, tight ends in his time coaching in the NFL. Smith worked with tight ends during his time in Las Vegas, aiding in the development of All-Pro TE Darren Waller.

Defense: Even though Hill has the title of defensive coordinator under his name, Staley will be the one responsible for calling the defensive plays. Nonetheless, he will bring his expertise with defensive backs to the team and will have an input on game days while Staley calls plays.

Los Angeles goes into the season with the intentions of playing in a 3-4 defense. Hill said that they don’t want the defense to entice offenses to throw on them, noting the high level of QB play in the NFL, adding they can do that by always showing a Cover 2 shell and changing post-snap.

Defending the pass will be a vital, but stopping the run will be just as important. Run game coordinator/outside linebackers coach Jay Rodgers is a key addition. Rodgers was responsible of working with the Bears and Broncos, both of whom boasted some of the league’s top defensive lines.

The new positional coaches have had plenty of success in the past with their perspective teams. Linebackers coach Michael Wilhoite had an integral role with the Saints. Secondary coach Derrick Ansley has worked with the Raiders and at the collegiate level, specifically with Tennessee and Alabama, including star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.

Defensive line coach Giff Smith was a member who was retained. Smith has played a role in the stardom of edge defender Joey Bosa.

Special Teams: Like the offensive line, this will be another focal point after finishing last in the league in this department. Swinton comes with plenty of experience as a special teams coordinator. Staley said the goal is to try to model the game management method that he became familiar with he was with the Cardinals. Also brought on was Mayur Chaudhari, who had success during his time with the Falcons.

Chargers officially announce 2021 coaching staff

After nearly a month of work and preparation, Chargers head coach Brandon Staley has found his coaching staff.

After nearly a month of work and preparation, Chargers head coach Brandon Staley has found his coaching staff.

Los Angeles announced the additions of their staff this morning, headlined by offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, defensive coordinator Renaldo Hill, passing game/quarterbacks coach Shane Day and special teams coordinator Derius Swinton II.

On the offensive side of the ball, run game coordinator/offensive line coach Frank Smith, running backs coach Derrick Foster, wide receivers coach Chris Beatty, tight ends coach Kevin Koger, assistant offensive line coach Shaun Sarrett, offensive assistant Dan Shamash, and offensive quality control coach Chandler Whitmer round out the group.

On the defensive side of the ball, run game coordinator/outside linebackers coach Jay Rodgers, defensive line coach Giff Smith, secondary coach Derrick Ansley, linebackers coach Michael Wilhoite, assistant secondary coach Tim Donatell, and defensive quality control coach Isaac Shewmaker make up the group.

Finally, the coaching staff is made up of assistant special teams coach Mayur Chaudhari, strength and conditioning coach Jonathan Brooks, director of sports performance Anthony Lomando, and coaching fellow John Timu.

Chargers QB Justin Herbert to reach out to Drew Brees to learn about new offense

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is heading into his sophomore season set to learn his fourth offense in a matter of five years.

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is heading into his sophomore season set to learn his fourth offense in a matter of five years.

The Offensive Rookie of the Year is planning to reach out to Drew Brees to pick the veteran’s brain about new offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi’s scheme.

“Drew is definitely one of those guys I plan to reach out to,” Herbert said. “He’s been able to do it all.”

Lombardi is coming over from the Saints, where he spent 12 seasons, 10 as Brees’ quarterbacks coach.

Herbert plans to gain insight from the 42-year old, as well other quarterbacks who have had success in the league in hopes of capitalizing from his outstanding rookie season.

“I’m going to try not to bother them too much,” he said. “I’ve got a bunch of questions about how to watch film, how to prepare for defenses. There are things that I can always get better at.

“These guys have had so much success. If I didn’t ask them, that’s on me. It’s an opportunity for me to learn from them. I’ll definitely be reaching out. I’ve talked to a couple of them already.”

The plan for the offense is to try to take the pieces of last year’s success and mesh them with Lombardi’s experience in head coach Sean Payton’s offense.

“I think we’re going to take a little bit of that. They’re also going to bring in some of their stuff that has been able to work. I think it’s kind of a mix-and-match. But a lot of the stuff that we were able to do last year, I think that will carry over,” Herbert said.

Chargers QB Justin Herbert talks preparation to learn another offense

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is not phased that he will have to be under a new system.

Being under new offensive systems isn’t anything new to Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert.

During his time at Oregon, Herbert played under three different head coaches since his freshman season.

After Brandon Staley replaced Anthony Lynn, it’ll mark his fifth head coach.

Even though he’s used to it at this point, Herbert hopes that the constant changes stop occurring while noting a positive that comes from having to master a new system.

“I’ve been through this before. It would be great to have one playbook throughout your career but it’s not going to always happen like that,” Herbert said, per the Associated Press’ Joe Reedy. “I think it’s a great opportunity to learn. You always learn from each playbook.

I think you have a great understanding of the game of football the more you go through it. I’ve had the opportunity to learn from so many different guys and philosophies and I think that’s helped my game. Hopefully, this is the last change that I’ll go through because I really believe in those two guys.”

Not every quarterback is capable of doing it, but Herbert has been able to due to his high football IQ.

It’s likely that the Chargers will be diligent about how they go about the process. Some of the concepts from last season will probably carry over to help with the learning curve, similar to how the coaching staff went about it in 2020.

In the meantime, Herbert said he has started watch film of the Saints because Joe Lombardi, the team’s new offensive coordinator, was their quarterbacks coach in New Orleans.

Herbert also noted that the transition might be easier because John Beck, the person he trains with in Huntington Beach, CA, has worked with former Saints QB Drew Brees in the past.

Herbert is currently the front-runner to win AP Offensive Rookie of the Year after finishing a phenomenal campaign which included rookie passing records for touchdowns (31) and the second-most passing yards at 4,336.