Chargers Unlikely To Make HC, GM Changes Before Offseason
Many have pointed to the Chargers as a team which could shake up its staff on the sidelines and/or in the front office. While pressure is likely on Brandon Staley and Tom Telesco, the pair should be considered safe for the immediate future. 
No in-season changes are expected to be made by the Chargers, Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reports (video link). Staley in particular is believed to be on the hot seat, barring a signficant turnaround to close out the 2023 campaign. Los Angeles entered Week 13 sitting at 4-7 and in need of a late-season push to get back into contention for an AFC wild-card spot. In the event that does not come to fruition, it would come as little surprise if a change were to be made.
As Jones notes, though, a final decision on the fate of Staley or Telesco will likely not be made until after owner Dean Spanos conducts an offseason evaluation. Staley is in his third season at the helm, but once again the Chargers have drawn criticism for their on-field play not matching the talent on their roster. He has served as the team’s defensive play-caller, allowing him to continue in that capacity after doing so during his time as the Rams’ defensive coordinator. The unit has generally struggled (today’s 6-0 win over the Patriots notwithstanding), however, which has contributed to an underwhelming overall performance in what may have deemed a make-or-break year.
Staley’s Chargers stint has been marked by last year’s 27-point collapse in the wild-card round, a game which represented a rare trek to the postseason for the organization during Telesco’s tenure. The latter has been in place since 2013, but the Chargers have made just three postseason appearances over that span. Only two playoff wins (in 2013 and ’18) have come about, but the presence of quarterback Justin Herbert has given the team significant potential for the short- and long-term future.
The former No. 6 pick was one of several young passers who inked a monster extension this offseason. Herbert’s five-year, $262.5MM deal has him on the books through 2029 and his play over the life of the pact will be a major factor in the Chargers’ success. If the team falls short of the postseason and a coaching change is indeed made, a number of candidates will no doubt be connected to the opening. Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson could be one of them, though he is expected to be one of the hottest coaching candidates in the 2024 cycle.
In any event, plenty of pressure will likely be on Staley and Telesco over the coming weeks. Their respective job statuses will be a major storyline to watch through the remainder of the season and into the beginning of the upcoming hiring cycle.
Minor NFL Transactions: 12/2/23
Today’s gameday callups and minor moves heading into Sunday:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed to active roster: WR Dan Chisena
- Elevated: DT Phil Hoskins, CB Divaad Wilson
Atlanta Falcons
- Elevated: LB Milo Eifler, TE Parker Hesse
Cleveland Browns
- Elevated: QB Joe Flacco (story), CB A.J. Green
Denver Broncos
- Activated from IR: WR Brandon Johnson
- Elevated: QB Ben DiNucci, TE Lucas Krull
Detroit Lions
- Elevated: DT Quinton Bohanna, LB Bruce Irvin
Houston Texans
- Elevated: K Matt Ammendola
Indianapolis Colts
- Elevated: RB Tyler Goodson, WR D.J. Montgomery
Kansas City Chiefs
- Elevated: RB Deneric Prince
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed to active roster: WR Alex Erickson
- Elevated: TE Stephen Anderson
- Waived: RB Elijah Dotson
Miami Dolphins
- Elevated: TE Tanner Conner
New England Patriots
- Elevated: QB Malik Cunningham
New Orleans Saints
- Elevated: WR Marquez Callaway, FB Adam Prentice
New York Jets
- Activated from IR: CB Justin Hardee, G Wes Schweitzer
- Elevated: OL Jake Hanson, DT Perrion Winfrey
- Waived: OL Xavier Newman
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Elevated: LB Kyron Johnson
San Francisco 49ers
- Elevated: WR Chris Conley, S Erik Harris
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Elevated: WR Ryan Miller, WR David Moore
Tennessee Titans
- Signed to active roster: LB Joe Jones
Washington Commanders
- Elevated: DE Joshua Pryor
The Chiefs have ruled out running back Jerick McKinnon for tomorrow’s game against the Packers, necessitating some extra depth at the position. The team will turn to Prince, an undrafted free agent who has spent the entire season on Kansas City’s practice squad. Prince had a breakout season at Tulsa in 2022, finishing with 813 yards from scrimmage and six touchdowns.
Winfrey, a 2022 fourth-round pick, was cut by the Browns last July after being investigated for pulling a gun on a woman. He joined the Jets practice squad in early November and will finally earn his first promotion of the season. Winfrey got into 13 games for Cleveland last year, collecting 22 tackles and 0.5 sacks.
At age 36, Irvin will be making his debut for a sixth NFL team. The veteran pass rusher signed with Detroit midway through November and will finally have a chance to extend his streak of regular season appearances to 12 straight years. The only absence on the Lions’ front-seven will be linebacker Alex Anzalone, so Detroit may be looking to stand Irvin up to help the team’s depth at linebacker.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 12/1/23
December’s first practice squad adjustments:
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: WR Ethan Fernea
- Placed on practice squad IR: WR K.J. Hamler
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed: OL Austen Pleasants
- Released: FB Zander Horvath
Hamler reportedly had joined the Colts’ practice squad at full health after undergoing offseason surgery to repair a partially torn pectoral muscle and taking time away from football to deal with pericarditis, a heart condition that didn’t require surgery but did necessitate medication. Despite being seemingly healthy at the time of his signing, Hamler has yet to be elevated for an in-game appearance in 2023 and is now headed to the practice squad’s injured reserve. It’s unclear if this newest transaction has anything to do with the 24-year-old’s previous health issues.
Updated 2024 NFL Draft Order
With Week 13 underway, the picture at the top of the NFL draft board continues to become clearer. Plenty is yet to be determined with respect to the top of the order, however.
The Panthers’ ongoing struggles led to Frank Reich‘s firing, but the Bears own Carolina’s top pick this year due to the 2023 swap which landed Bryce Young via the No. 1 selection. Chicago being able to have the top pick once again – coupled with their own selection landing in the top-10 – would make the Bears a team to watch closely come April. The race for the top two or three slots (and, as such, the ability to draft QBs Caleb Williams and Drake Maye, along with wideout Marvin Harrison Jr.) will also be a key late-season storyline for the Cardinals and Patriots.
The Commanders have lost three straight games, overshadowing a promising season from first-year starter Sam Howell. After deciding to move on from defensive ends Chase Young and Montez Sweat at the trade deadline, the team’s defense has continued to struggle. DC Jack Del Rio is out as a result, and head coach Ron Rivera‘s position is not believed to be on strong footing. A top-five pick could make the job in Washington more attractive presuming a opening arises this offseason.
For non-playoff teams, the draft order will be determined by the inverted 2024 standings — plus a series of tiebreakers, starting with strength of schedule — with playoff squads being slotted by their postseason outcome and regular-season record. Here is an updated look at the current draft order:
- Chicago Bears (via Panthers)
- Arizona Cardinals: 2-10
- New England Patriots: 2-9
- Chicago Bears: 4-8
- Washington Commanders: 4-8
- New York Giants: 4-8
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 4-7
- New York Jets: 4-7
- Los Angeles Chargers: 4-7
- Tennessee Titans: 4-7
- Las Vegas Raiders: 5-7
- New Orleans Saints: 5-6
- Green Bay Packers: 5-6
- Los Angeles Rams: 5-6
- Cincinnati Bengals: 5-6
- Buffalo Bills: 6-6
- Arizona Cardinals (via Texans)
- Denver Broncos: 6-5
- Atlanta Falcons: 5-6
- Minnesota Vikings: 6-6
- Seattle Seahawks: 6-6
- Indianapolis Colts: 6-5
- Pittsburgh Steelers: 7-4
- Houston Texans (via Browns)
- Miami Dolphins: 8-3
- Detroit Lions: 8-3
- Jacksonville Jaguars: 8-3
- Dallas Cowboys: 9-3
- Kansas City Chiefs: 8-3
- San Francisco 49ers: 8-3
- Baltimore Ravens: 9-3
- Philadelphia Eagles: 10-1
Jim Harbaugh Leaning Toward 2024 NFL Return; Latest On HC’s Potential Destinations
The 2024 coaching cycle will involve at least two openings for full-time positions (Raiders and Panthers), but more vacancies will likely emerge in the coming months. Jim Harbaugh remains a highly talked-about candidate, and indications continue to point to an NFL return in time for the 2024 season. 
Harbaugh has been embroiled in controversy this season, but his second three-game suspension served during the campaign – stemming from Michigan’s sign-stealing scandal – is not believed to be sufficient to steer away NFL interest. As a result, he is set to be a notable coaching prospect this winter. Numerous people in league circles believe 2024 will be the year Harbaugh makes his return to the pro sidelines, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports.
The longtime Wolverines coach has routinely been a name to watch during hiring cycles, having interviewed with the Vikings in 2022 and the Broncos last year. His latest commitment to Michigan delayed his next round of interest until at least 2024. While Harbaugh has previously closed the door to future NFL interest, he is regarded as being “less than 50-50” to once again stay in Ann Arbor, per Sportkeeda‘s Tony Pauline.
Pauline’s report details the potential connection between Harbaugh and four teams which could be on his radar. The Chargers reside on that list, which comes as no surprise given the growing belief Brandon Staley is on the hot seat. Los Angeles is one of several potential suitors for Lions OC Ben Johnson, though, and Harbaugh’s conditions for an NFL deal could turn the Chargers elsewhere. The latter is expected to seek an annual salary of $15MM, Pauline reports, a figure more than triple that of Staley’s current compensation.
Especially with interim HC Chris Tabor unlikely to land the full-time Panthers gig, Carolina could be another Harbaugh destination. Pauline adds, however, that the 59-year-old is not enamored with quarterback Bryce Young, whose struggles as a rookie contributed to Frank Reich‘s dismissal. That, coupled with the Panthers’ lack of a 2024 first-round pick and owner David Tepper‘s reputation for meddling and impatience, would make it a surprise for Harbaugh to find himself in Charlotte next season.
Pauline also names the Raiders and Bears as teams to watch on the Harbaugh front. Both Vegas and Chicago have previously been linked to him based on his playing and coaching history, but a path appears to exist for interim Raiders coach Antonio Pierce to earn the full-time position moving forward. After facing several questions about his job security, meanwhile, it remains to be seen if Matt Eberflus will be retained for 2024 and beyond by the Bears.
While Harbaugh will no doubt have numerous suitors should he decide to take an NFL position for the first time since his 49ers tenure ended in 2014, it very much remains to be seen if he elects to entertain pro offers. His attention will be on Michigan’s push for a national title, but regardless of how that plays out, speculation will continue as the coaching cycle takes shape.
Minor NFL Transactions: 11/25/23
Here are today’s minor moves and callups for Week 12’s Sunday slate:
Arizona Cardinals
- Elevated: DT Phil Hoskins, CB Divaad Wilson
Atlanta Falcons
- Elevated: WR Chris Blair, TE Parker Hesse
Baltimore Ravens
- Elevated: S Andrew Adams, LB Josh Ross
- Placed on IR: TE Mark Andrews (story)
Buffalo Bills
- Elevated: CB Ja’Marcus Ingram, WR Andy Isabella
Carolina Panthers
- Elevated: CB Lamar Jackson, DE Chris Wormley
Cleveland Browns
- Activated from IR: LB Jordan Kunaszyk
- Elevated: CB A.J. Green, S Tanner McCalister
Denver Broncos
- Elevated: DT Tyler Lancaster, WR David Sills
Indianapolis Colts
- Elevated: WR D.J. Montgomery
Las Vegas Raiders
- Activated from IR: S Roderic Teamer
- Elevated: C Hroniss Grasu, DE Janarius Robinson
Los Angeles Chargers
- Elevated: WR Alex Erickson, TE Hunter Kampmoyer
New York Giants
- Activated from IR: RB Eric Gray
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Elevated: LB Tariq Carpenter
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Elevated: WR David Moore, DL Pat O’Connor
Tennessee Titans
- Elevated: DT Ross Blacklock, LB Joe Jones
- Placed on IR: T Chris Hubbard (story)
Minor NFL Transactions: 11/22/23
Today’s minor transactions and gameday callups heading into Week 12 of the NFL season:
Cleveland Browns
- Designated to return from IR: LB Jordan Kunaszyk
Dallas Cowboys
- Elevated: S Sheldrick Redwine
Detroit Lions
- Elevated: DT Quinton Bohanna, OL Michael Schofield
Las Vegas Raiders
- Waived: LB Jaylon Smith
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed to active roster: OLB Andrew Farmer
New York Giants
New York Jets
- Waived: T Dennis Kelly
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed to active roster: LB J.J. Russell
- Placed on IR: WR Rakim Jarrett
- Waived: TE David Wells
Washington Commanders
- Elevated: DE Joshua Pryor, RB Jonathan Williams
- Placed on IR: LB De’Jon Harris
Smith’s tenure on the Raiders lasted about three weeks after he was signed off of the Saints’ practice squad. The Raiders immediately plugged him in hoping that he would improve a unit struggling to defend the run. After his initial game in Vegas, though, Smith was inactive for the next two games. Whether due to injuries or ineffectiveness, Smith no longer warranted a roster spot with the Raiders.
The Jets signed Kelly in the midst of a litany of offensive line injuries. Kelly is an established veteran with a good amount of starting experience, but even with all the opportunities provided due to injury, Kelly couldn’t quite crack the rotation and now finds himself without a roster spot.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 11/22/23
Here are Wednesday’s practice squad moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: WR Dan Chisena, DB William Hooper
Carolina Panthers
- Signed: OL Justin McCray, CB AJ Parker
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: S Duron Harmon
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: S Brandon Wilson
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed: OLB Elerson Smith
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed: FB Zander Horvath
Los Angeles Rams
- Signed: RB Darrell Henderson
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed: WR Daylen Baldwin
New York Giants
- Signed: RB Deon Jackson, OL Joshua Miles
New York Jets
- Signed: DT Tanzel Smart
Although the Rams look to be expecting Kyren Williams to be activated for Week 12, they will keep Henderson around as insurance. The Rams turned to their former third-round pick immediately after injuries moved Williams and Ronnie Rivers off the roster. Despite waiving Henderson in November 2022, the Rams plugged him back in. While Royce Freeman‘s per-carry numbers (4.3) outshine Henderson’s (2.4), the latter scored two touchdowns during his latest run in Sean McVay‘s system. While the Rams waived Henderson again Tuesday, Freeman remains on Los Angeles’ active roster.
Harmon will join team No. 3 this season. The former Patriots Super Bowl winner, a Raider in 2022, began the season with the Ravens. The Bears signed Harmon off Baltimore’s practice squad last month. Harmon, 32, would represent a veteran safety presence for a Browns team that just lost Rodney McLeod for the season.
Minor NFL Transactions: 11/21/23
Today’s minor moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Placed on IR: DL Leki Fotu, LB Kyzir White (story)
- Signed: S Qwuantrezz Knight
- Promoted: DL Ben Stille
Baltimore Ravens
- Designated for return from IR: CB Damarion Williams
Cleveland Browns
- Placed on IR: S Rodney McLeod (story)
Indianapolis Colts
- Promoted: S Ronnie Harrison
Los Angeles Chargers
- Placed on IR: LB Tanner Muse
- Promoted: LB Blake Lynch
Miami Dolphins
- Placed on IR: RB Salvon Ahmed
- Promoted: WR Robbie Chosen
Minnesota Vikings
- Promoted: DT Sheldon Day
- Waived: Trishton Jackson
New York Giants
- Signed off Vikings’ practice squad: LB Benton Whitley
San Francisco 49ers
- Placed on IR: S Talanoa Hufanga (story)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: LB J.J. Russell
Harrison was among the Colts’ final roster cuts in August, but he was immediately retained via the practice squad. Despite that move, the 26-year-old has yet to make an appearance in Indianapolis as a gameday elevation. He will now have the chance to make his Colts debut, having taken the 53-man roster spot of Shaquille Leonard after the latter’s surprise cut.
Muse will be required to miss at least the next four weeks as a result of the IR move. The former Seahawk has played exclusively on special teams to date during his first season with the Chargers, logging a 73% snap share in that capacity. Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports Muse could still play later this season, something which will give Los Angeles a boost in the third phase if they are still in playoff contention down the stretch.
Ahmed’s foot injury, coupled with a new round of uncertainty regarding the healthy of rookie sensation De’Von Achane, could leave Miami shorthanded in the backfield. While it remains to be seen if the latter will miss time after coming back from an IR stint, the former will not be available moving forward. Ahmed is out for the season, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports. The 24-year-old scored two total touchdowns on 38 touches this year, his fourth with the Dolphins. He is set to hit free agency this offseason, but the injury will no doubt hurt his market.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 11/21/23
Tuesday’s taxi squad moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: WR Daniel Arias
- Released: WR Davion Davis
Baltimore Ravens
- Signed: TE Scotty Washington
- Placed on IR: CB Kevon Seymour
Chicago Bears
- Signed: DB Adrian Colbert, DL Michael Dwumfour
- Released: QB Trace McSorley
Cleveland Browns
- Released: RB John Kelly
Houston Texans
- Signed: LB Marcell Harris
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed: FB Jakob Johnson
- Released: TE Jesse James
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed: OLB Ty Shelby
Los Angeles Rams
- Released: DB Cameron McCutcheon
Miami Dolphins
- Signed: RB Darrynton Evans
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed: OLB Austin Bryant
- Released: WR Dan Chisena
New York Giants
- Signed: RB Deon Jackson, T Joshua Miles
- Released: RB Hassan Hall
New York Jets
- Signed: CB Craig James
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: DB Henry Black
- Released: LB Tyler Murray
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: T Jake Curhan
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: WR Raleigh Webb, LB Vi Jones, CB Quandre Mosely
- Released: CB Don Gardner, S Jaquan Johnson
Tennessee Titans
- Signed: S Matt Jackson, RB Jonathan Ward