Report: Los Angeles Chargers hire Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh.
The Los Angeles Chargers are hiring Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh as their next head coach, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
After his national championship with the Wolverines, Harbaugh returned to the NFL. He will now work with a team that is considered one of the best staffs in the league, led by Justin Herbert.
Harbaugh was the first candidate interviewed a second time by broadcasters during the search. He also had several interviews with the Atlanta Falcons before moving to Los Angeles.
Harbaugh is back in the West. Previously, he had experience as a head coach for the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers. In four seasons, the Niners went 44-19 with three NFC championships and a Super Bowl appearance.
Since the Chargers have yet to advance to the playoffs, they are hoping Harbaugh can put them over the top. Los Angeles last won in 2018, and they’ve only won twice in the last 14 years.
Although Michigan has had success on the field, there are many doubts about Harbaugh’s return to the NFL. He raised eyebrows last year when he interviewed with the Minnesota Vikings on National Signing Day during the coaching rotation.
Los Angeles finished the season in last place in the AFC West after a 5-12 season. With the No. 5 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Harbaugh could add another experienced player to the roster. And after spending the last nine seasons in college football, he probably has a good idea who deserves the top pick.
Jim Harbaugh left Michigan State winning the national championship.
Michigan State had a transformative season, with plenty of off-field issues. Sign stealing continues to be rampant in Ann Arbor, and Harbaugh was suspended three games to end the season. He was also suspended three games before the first game for infractions.
Things didn’t get any better for Michigan on the field. Another win against Ohio State sent them to the College Football Playoff for the third time in as many years. Alabama’s elimination from the Rose Bowl led to a victory over Washington in Houston for its first national championship since 1997.
Harbaugh would coach Michigan for the rest of his career, lifting the Wolverines to the top of the college football world. But his goal of adding a Super Bowl to his resume continues, with the Chargers hoping to become the first team in franchise history to do so..
