Former Michigan Head Coach, Jim Harbaugh, was hired by the Los Angeles Chargers after his recent college national championship victory, in hopes that he would bring that winning energy to the West Coast.
Over the last few years, the Chargers haven’t had much success. They finished last season 5-12 which led owner Dean Spanos to fire former Head Coach Brandon Staley and General Manager Tom Telesco. He hired Harbaugh on January 24, 2024, and is very optimistic about their new leadership.
“Jim Harbaugh is football personified, and I can think of no one better to lead the Chargers forward,” Spanos said.
Harbaugh played as the Chargers’ quarterback for two seasons (1999-2000), back when they still belonged to San Diego, and is eager to be back.
“When I played for the Chargers, the Spanos family could not have been more gracious or more welcoming. Being back here feels like home, and it’s great to see that those things haven’t changed,” Harbaugh said.
Harbaugh has had many years of coaching experience. His first head coaching job was at the University of San Diego where he was able to turn that struggling team into winners. He also coached the San Francisco 49ers and led them to three straight NFC Championships and one Superbowl.
Over the last few years, (2015-2023), Harbaugh coached Michigan University to a 144-52 record, but tensions rose when he was accused of illegal in-person scouting for players and the University’s sign-stealing. Harbaugh denied these claims but was suspended for three games. He made the return for the post season where he led Michigan to national victory against the Washington Huskies.
“Never lie. Never cheat. Never steal. I was raised with that lesson. I have raised my family on that lesson. I have preached that lesson to the teams that I have coached. No one is perfect. If you stumble, you apologize and you make it right. Today, I do not apologize. I did not participate, was not aware nor complicit in those said allegations. So, it’s back to work and attacking with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind,” Harbaugh said.
During his time with the Chargers so far, Harbaugh has already transformed their overall environment. Former coach Stately was said to have played favorites and divided the team, so Harbaugh has made it his focus to bring them back together. He has reorganized the locker room and added players’ hometowns and high school rankings to embody more of a community. He also encourages players to share their own “wise words” with their teammates at the end of practices.
“It feels like the coach is leading the team the way it should be led,” linebacker Joey Bosa told ESPN.
Harbaugh has also created a huge emphasis on details, even the smallest things. He watches plays with a close eye and gives players individual feedback to help them improve. He has high expectations for the players and tries his best to help them all reach them.
Harbaugh has made an effort to become very involved in the team. He participates in after- practice strength workouts and inspires the players to always put in their best effort. Harbaugh’s sense of confidence lifts up the team and gives them a sense of belief.
Harbaugh set big goals for the Chargers this season and hopes to win multiple championships. He wants to transform them into a physical and tough team that can wear out their opponents.
His vision started to come true when the Chargers beat the Oakland Raiders 22-10 and the Carolina Panthers 26-3.
“To have a guy leading the charge like that and a locker room that buys in and follows him, you know, It’s a special day as well for him to get his first win,” quarterback Justin Herbert said.
Harbaugh’s work on and off the field seems to have a positive effect on the teams performance and as the season goes on, the Chargers hope to many more victories and make their way up in the NFL standings.
