The Chargers made a notable coaching change, firing offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi on Tuesday. Additionally, passing game coordinator/quarterbacks coach Shane Day was relieved of his duties.
The move was expected, as Los Angeles did not get the most out of quarterback Justin Herbert’s special abilities, given Lombardi’s offensive system predicated on quick and underneath throws.
The Chargers were also lackluster in the run game, red zone and on third down.
Now, head coach Brandon Staley will be looking for a new offensive coordinator as he heads into Year 3 of his regime.
Let’s see how Twitter reacted to the Lombardi news.
where quarterbacks with joe lombardi as offensive coordinator ranked in average depth of target:
•matthew stafford (2014-15): 30th/33
•justin herbert (2021-22): 30th/33taking two quarterbacks with high end arm talent and scheming up short passes was a choice
— Tej Seth (@tejfbanalytics) January 17, 2023
Joe Lombardi successfully failed Matt Stafford & Justin Herbert. That man should never be employed by an NFL team again.
— Chargers (@chargerbolts) January 17, 2023
The Chargers needed to fire Joe Lombardi, but keeping Brandon Staley is still a big problem, IMO.
Lombardi wasn't the one watching his defense give up 31 points in 31 minutes to Jacksonville, or playing starters in Week 18, etc.
Staley is that guy, and he remains that guy.
— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) January 17, 2023
Justin Herbert seeing that Joe Lombardi is finally gone pic.twitter.com/rxiKRIQ9jV
— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) January 17, 2023
Arrest Joe Lombardi for crimes against football https://t.co/VoeuIVtQ99
— Peter Bukowski (@Peter_Bukowski) January 17, 2023
Every non-gullible #Chargers fan when they heard Joe Lombardi was fired pic.twitter.com/mfMBAZ91Eg
— Delton Wells (@deltdiggs) January 17, 2023
Joe Lombardi just got fired. I'm not surprised. I told you he was gonna hold back that offense just like he did with Matthew Stafford in 2014.
I tried to warn you 🤷🏾♂️ https://t.co/WiWwvoy9ca
— Malcolm Hart (@MrHart__) January 17, 2023
According to @PFF, here is the ADOT for Justin Herbert — one of the best deep ball throwers in the NFL — each of his first three years in the NFL.
2020: 7.8
2021: 7.9
2022: 6.9Coaching malpractice.
— Kyle Yates (@KyleYNFL) January 17, 2023
I would like to see Frank Reich back with the Chargers to work with Justin Herbert.
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) January 17, 2023
Justin Herbert averaged 6.8 air yards per attempt in 2022. That was the 3rd lowest of QBs that threw 150 pass attempts behind only Daniel Jones and Matt Ryan
There is far too much talent here. Add a new OC and some speed outside and this offense can reach new heights #Chargers
— Michael F. Florio (@MichaelFFlorio) January 17, 2023