COSTA MESA, Calif. — In a surprising turn of events, Jim Harbaugh has been chosen as the new head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, according to sources familiar with the matter. Harbaugh, who recently guided the University of Michigan to their first national championship since 1997, will be leaving his post as coach of the college football’s most successful program after nine seasons.
Harbaugh’s decision to return to the NFL comes after a second interview, as he aims to fulfill his lifelong dream of winning a Super Bowl, both as a player and as a coach. This move makes history, as Harbaugh becomes the first former Chargers player to lead the team as head coach. Notably, he played for the Chargers from 1999-2000 before retiring in 2001.
The appointment of Harbaugh comes after the recent dismissal of Brandon Staley and Tom Telesco on December 15, following a disappointing 63-21 loss to the Raiders in Las Vegas. The Chargers were in search of a new coach and general manager, and Harbaugh emerged as one of the prime candidates.
Harbaugh initially met with the Chargers on January 15 and impressed the Spanos family during the interview process. Out of the 15 coaching candidates, he was the only one to receive a second interview. Despite having a scheduled second interview with the Atlanta Falcons, Harbaugh ultimately accepted the Chargers’ offer, signaling his commitment to the team.
During his tenure at Michigan, Harbaugh successfully restored the program’s prominence, leading them to an impressive record of 86-25. He effectively revived the winning culture that had waned under previous coaches Brady Hoke and Rich Rodriguez, following the retirement of legendary national-championship winning coach Lloyd Carr.
Michigan’s Triumph and Harbaugh’s Departure
The thrilling matchup between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Michigan Wolverines has been dominated by the former, with an impressive eight-game winning streak. However, in 2021, the tides turned thanks to the leadership of Harbaugh. This pivotal victory not only ended the Buckeyes’ winning streak but also paved the way for three consecutive Big Ten titles and College Football Playoff appearances for the Wolverines.
Despite these achievements, Harbaugh’s journey to success in bowl games has been anything but smooth. Suffering defeat in the semifinals for two consecutive years extended his winless streak in these games to six. Nonetheless, Michigan persevered, triumphing over Alabama at the Rose Bowl and outshining Washington on its way to capturing the national championship. This remarkable feat secured a school-record 15-0 mark for the team.
Recognizing Harbaugh’s instrumental role in their recent triumphs, Michigan made a valiant effort to retain him. The university extended an enticing offer, proposing a new six-year contract worth $11.5 million per season. However, alas, it was not meant to be. Harbaugh’s profound desire for a Super Bowl title led him elsewhere.
Enter the Chargers, a team brimming with talent fueled by their standout quarterback, Justin Herbert. Despite Herbert’s prowess, the Chargers stumbled through the season with a discouraging 5-12 record, losing eight of their last nine games, including their final five. This unfortunate run of events also highlights the instability within the coaching staff, as Herbert faces the potential prospect of his fourth head coach and offensive coordinator in just five seasons.
In an intriguing turn of events, the Chargers have opted for experience in their hunt for success. For the first time since Norv Turner’s appointment in 2007, following Marty Schottenheimer, they have chosen a head coach with prior experience leading a team. Turner’s tenure featured remarkable achievements, including three consecutive postseason appearances and an appearance in the AFC championship game during the 2007 season.
As the Chargers embark on this new chapter, their sights are set on reclaiming the division title, a feat they last accomplished in 2009 under Turner’s guidance.