The Chargers are in the final stages of completing an agreement to bring USC’s running back coach, Kiel McDonald, on board as their running back coach, according to a tweet by Schefter on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter. McDonald, who had opportunities to take on the role of a college offensive coordinator, chose instead to work as Jim Harbaugh’s running back coach. In his coaching roles at Utah and USC, McDonald collaborated with notable running backs such as Zack Moss and Marshawn Lloyd, a prominent prospect in the upcoming draft.
Schefter also noted a growing trend among college coaches this winter, expressing fatigue with the challenges posed by the transfer portal, NIL money, and the evolving NCAA landscape. As a result, many college coaches are showing an inclination to transition to the NFL, a move already taken by several and desired by many more, according to another post by Schefter.
Prior to joining USC in 2022, McDonald served as the running backs coach at Utah from 2017 to 2021, contributing to the success of award-winning running backs like Zack Moss, Ty Jordan, and Tavion Thomas. Notably, McDonald played a role in Utah’s victory in the Pac-12 Conference in 2021 and their participation in the 2022 Rose Bowl Game.
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
A brief overview of Kiel McDonald reveals his background as a cornerback at Sacramento City College, Arizona, and Sacramento State during his college playing days. Hailing from Milpitas, California, and attending high school in Colorado, McDonald’s coaching experience includes stints at San Jose City College, Arizona State, and Eastern Washington. Additionally, he interned with the San Francisco 49ers in 2010. McDonald’s connection with Harbaugh dates back to Harbaugh’s tenure as the head coach of the 49ers from 2011 to 2014. Following Harbaugh’s successful coaching of the Michigan Wolverines to a College Football Playoff National Championship, he assumed the role of head coach for the Chargers in January.
