Justin Herbert to pick Drew Brees’ brain on new OC Joe Lombardi

Ever since new head coach Brandon Staley discussed the process that he and his staff will take to build the Chargers’ offense around Justin Herbert, the media and the fan base have been salivating at the possibilities that could come from the process and how it could propel the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year into an entirely new level of play.

In Herbert’s press conference on Tuesday, he was asked about how the process is going and just how much he’s had the opportunity to talk to his new coaches, including new offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, regarding the new playbook and specifically what he expects to see once he finally gets his hands on it within the next few weeks.

“I think we’re going to take a little bit of that,” Herbert said regarding what similarities from the Saints offense that he expects to see added to their scheme. “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.”

Staley was adamant during his introductory press conference that the staff will build the playbook around everything that Herbert does best. When it comes to what concepts could be expected based on the reported coaching staff additions, Staley will likely lean on the Shanahan/West Coast offense that the 49ers, Packers, and Rams have been running under Kyle Shanahan, Matt LaFleur, and Sean McVay. While not official, the Chargers are expected to hire former Niners quarterbacks coach Shane Day and former Packers assistant Kevin Koger to their offensive staff.

Herbert also told the media that he plans on reaching out to Saints quarterback Drew Brees to pick his brain on what he can expect from Lombardi as a coach and future caller of the offense, saying that Brees is “definitely one of those guys I plan to reach out to.”

At the end of the day, Herbert is just like any young player that’s anxious to attack an offseason in hopes of capitalizing on a phenomenal first year in the NFL. That means getting in the film and weight room as soon as possible.

“I’m going to try not to bother them too much,” he said regarding his new offensive staff. “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.”

Per the Chargers’ PR staff, fans can expect an announcement today regarding the coaching staff. Right now, I think it’s safe to assume we are finally getting the official staff assignments, putting an end to all of the confusion of who is actually expected to be on the staff and who was just speculation.