3 NFL teams that should give Lincoln Riley a blank check to leave Oklahoma

He would get the most out of Justin Herbert

As with Philadelphia, another team to keep an eye on for a potential head-coaching opening is the Los Angeles Chargers. While there is no doubt about what Justin Herbert can do at the quarterback position, the question remains if head coach Anthony Lynn will be able to get the most out of their former No. 6 overall pick out of Oregon. If he is not, then give Riley a call.

For Riley to have his best shot at success of being a first-time NFL head coach, he probably needs to go to a franchise whose fan base and media market are not going to eat him alive right out of the gate. The Chargers fan base is routinely made fun of after the controversial move two hours north from San Diego a few years ago. Keep in mind the NFL is still a relatively new thing in L.A.

It would be something if the Mike Leach Air Raid disciple ends up becoming 21st Century Air Coryell for the same Bolts franchise he once made famous. Even better, guess who else was an Oregon Duck before Herbert? Dan Fouts! If the Air Raid Coryell does not light your fire, then your wood is wet. What if the Chargers emerge as the AFC West’s premier dark horse contender?

Though the division belongs to the Kansas City Chiefs for as long as Patrick Mahomes is still Patrick Mahomes, Herbert with the right coach certainly closes the gap. He has been the most impressive quarterback of his draft class so far. While he has exceeded expectations in year one with so-so coaching, can you imagine what he could become in Riley’s NFL Air Raid offense?