Chargers' New Coaching Hire Provides Hint at Austin Ekeler Replacement
By Cem Yolbulan
It is an offseason of change for the Los Angeles Chargers. With a new general manager and head coach in place, now the attention turns to the roster. With free agency looming in March, the Chargers personnel will surely look very different in 2024. One of the key pieces that will most likely be gone in the offseason is the long-time running back Austin Ekeler.
The Bolts will surely acquire a running back via the draft or free agency, especially considering Joshua Kelley is also an unrestricted free agent. We now have a better indication of who the choice at running back will be after the latest coach hire.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Chargers are bringing over RB coach Kiel McDonald from the University of Southern California to take over the running back room in Los Angeles. This means that the Chargers have an advantage in signing his former players, which include Zack Moss and MarShawn Lloyd.
Chargers Hiring USC Coach with Ties to Key Running Back Targets
Chargers are finalizing a deal to hire USC RB coach Kiel McDonald as their running back coach. McDonald had chances to become a college offensive coordinator but opted to become Jim Harbaugh’s RB coach. At Utah and USC, McDonald worked with backs such as Zack Moss and Marshawn…
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 22, 2024
Moss, whom McDonald worked with during his time in Utah, is an unrestricted free agent after having a productive season with the Indianapolis Colts. Former Bills rusher had career-best numbers in rushing yards (794) and touchdowns (5) in 14 games for the Colts. At age 26, Moss is at the top of his game and would be a worthy addition to the Chargers.
Lloyd, on the other hand, is entering the NFL Draft after spending one year at USC following his transfer from the University of South Carolina. He is an explosive rusher with great acceleration and burst. He is considered to be a Day 3 draft pick. The Chargers can target him with one of their picks in the mid to late draft.
The Los Angeles Chargers are currently considered a long shot to win the Super Bowl LIX at +3000 on FanDuel Sportsbook. They need to nail their draft picks and free agency moves, including the running back question to give themselves a chance to contend.
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