It finally happened … The Los Angeles Chargers have hired Jim Harbaugh to be their next head coach.
It’s a move that most people expected to happen. However, with an alleged late push by Pete Carroll behind the scenes and the University of Michigan trying their best to sweeten their contract offer, some wondered if there was going to be a late change of plans.
However, at the end of the day, Harbaugh is heading back to California and back into the NFL…
Chargers to hire Jim Harbaugh as new head coach. (via @RapSheet, @TomPelissero, @MikeGarafolo) pic.twitter.com/yx1d3P6x7v
— NFL (@NFL) January 24, 2024
The decision comes after Harbaugh’s impressive tenure at Michigan, where he compiled an 86-25 record, winning three Big Ten championships and securing Michigan’s first national title since 1997.
His impact was crucial in reviving the Wolverines, who had faced a decline in previous seasons.
— Josh Cook (@Life_0f_Josh) January 25, 2024
Harbaugh’s ties to the Chargers run deep, as he played quarterback for the team for two seasons (1999-2000).
His coaching career began in 2006 at the University of San Diego, and he has since experienced success at Stanford, Michigan, and in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers.
Chargers fans pic.twitter.com/6BvuITLhbs
— RGF (@rgfray1) January 25, 2024
One of Harbaugh’s notable achievements at Michigan was breaking the eight-game losing streak against arch-rivals Ohio State in 2021.
He ended up winning three consecutive Big Ten titles, reached three consecutive College Football Playoffs and of course won the national title over Washington earlier this month.
Jim Harbaugh @ Michigan:
• 89-25 (.781) Record
• 61-17 (.782) Conference Record
• 3x B1G Champion (Only B1G HC To 3-Peat)
• National Champion
• 6/8 Full 10+ Win SeasonsJim Harbaugh brought Michigan their first outright National Title since 1948 & first B1G title since… pic.twitter.com/WiwrxrCKON
— College Football Report (@CFBRep) January 24, 2024
The Wolverines capped off their dominant 2023 season in perfect fashion.
Finishing with an undefeated 15-0 record, dealing Nick Saban a loss in the Rose Bowl in what turned out to be his last ever game, and then knocking off a previously unbeaten Washington team…it’s hard to beat a run like that!
A new era of Chargers football.
— 🙂 (@LRH388) January 24, 2024
Harbaugh faces a challenging task with the Los Angeles Chargers, who finished this season with a disappointing 5-12 record and have struggled mightily to capitalize on their talent in recent years.
Additionally, he will need to navigate the team’s rough financial situation, as they are projected to be $27.5 million over the league salary cap this offseason.
The Chargers extensive search for a new head coach saw them interview 15 candidates after the firing of coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco.
Harbaugh emerged as the frontrunner, and the Chargers ownership, led by Dean Spanos, ultimately secured the deal.
Herbert finally has a real coach 🥹
— 💜 (@thefutxre) January 24, 2024
Of course, the most attractive aspect of taking over the Chargers is the honor of inheriting a quarterback as special as Justin Herbert.
The Bolts are filled with talent on their roster, but Herbert is the golden goose … He has the potential to be one of the best quarterbacks of this generation.
Clearly, Chargers ownership is hoping Harbaugh can bring out the best in him.
Very happy for the Chargers fan base. It doesn't get better than this hire. Interestingly, Harbaugh played his final two seasons as a Charger.
— MD (@insultcookies) January 24, 2024
Notably, Jim will face his brother John next season when the Baltimore Ravens visit SoFi Stadium … It’s safe to say that will be a nationally television game.
It goes without saying that the much-anticipated news sent social media into an absolute frenzy…
“Jim Harbaugh talking to Sherrone Moore about the multiple NCAA investigations…”
Jim Harbaugh talking to Sherrone Moore about the multiple NCAA investigations. pic.twitter.com/WvllTayRJk
— Ben Stevens (@BenScottStevens) January 25, 2024
“The NCAA: Alright Jim, I know the Big 10 cleared you but our investigation still isn’t over. There could still be severe consequences for this.
Jim Harbaugh…”
The NCAA: Alright Jim, I know the Big 10 cleared you but our investigation still isn’t over. There could still be severe consequences for this.
Jim Harbaugh:
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) January 24, 2024
“Max Duggan and Quentin Johnston showing up to practice on the first day under Jim Harbaugh.”
Max Duggan and Quentin Johnston showing up to practice on the first day under Jim Harbaugh pic.twitter.com/EKUVViZ9GA
— The Roman E〽️pire (@RomanWilsonSzn) January 25, 2024
“Jim Harbaugh hyping up Justin Herbert like this in primetime is about to hit like crack in the 1980s.”
https://twitter.com/kyledxniel/status/1750305987234595207
“Getting that ESPN notification that Jim Harbaugh is finally a Chargers HC got me like…”
Getting that ESPN notification that Jim Harbaugh is finally a Chargers HC got me like:pic.twitter.com/IfVVjxWwHy
— ًBoltUpYo (@BoltUpYo) January 24, 2024
“jim harbaugh in 2 years after having to play mahomes twice per season…”
jim harbaugh in 2 years after having to play mahomes twice per season pic.twitter.com/1vcOjjycTc
— 🆎 (@theABinKC) January 25, 2024
“Head coach: Jim Harbaugh
QB: Justin Herbert
Rb: Derrick Henry free agent
TE: Brock browers, Everett
WR: Keenan Allen , Mike williams, Troy Franklin
Top 5 offense in football.”
Head coach: Jim Harbaugh
QB: Justin Herbert
Rb: Derrick Henry free agent
TE: Brock browers, Everett
WR: Keenan Allen , Mike williams, Troy FranklinTop 5 offense in football pic.twitter.com/8XJ4gQrDdD
— . (@capnyuji) January 25, 2024
“NCAA looking for Jim Harbaugh to suspend him for next season…”
NCAA looking for Jim Harbaugh to suspend him for next season pic.twitter.com/WAzcXMZkl4
— Shooter McGavin (@ShooterMcGavin_) January 25, 2024
“Jim Harbaugh leaving campus…”
Jim Harbaugh leaving campus pic.twitter.com/xvABKimVAm
— McNeil (@Reflog_18) January 25, 2024
“THIS IS NOT A DRILL… JIM HARBAUGH IS COMING TO SAVE US!!”
— eddie (@joker37190) January 25, 2024
What are your thoughts on the Chargers hiring Harbaugh?
Would Bill Belichick, Pete Carroll or Mike Vrabel have been a better choice?
With the Chiefs getting juuust a little bit older, do you think we’ll soon see a changing of the guard in the AFC West?
Or do you think all of this Harbaugh hype is being a little overblown???