Chargers’ McDaniel to Call Plays From Booth Against Texans

Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel plans to move from the sideline to the coaches’ booth to call plays against the Houston Texans, while retaining play-calling duties. The change is scheduled for the Chargers’ Week 9 game, as the team seeks a different approach after a winless start to the season. McDaniel said the booth would give him a better view of defensive adjustments and help him communicate with position coaches about what to emphasize between series. He also said he was comfortable leaving more sideline communication to the rest of the offensive staff. The move changes his vantage point, not his role in calling the offense. Head coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed McDaniel would continue calling plays after the Chargers lost to the Los Angeles Rams. That game followed the team’s bye week. The Chargers had yet to win in the season’s first seven games, and their offense had struggled to score and protect the ball. McDaniel described the booth plan as something he wanted to try based on how the season had gone. He said his decision was not driven by insecurity or a desire to answer criticism. He also cited his confidence in the offensive coaches’ ability...