The Los Angeles Chargers are one of the biggest winners of the NFL offseason.
Not necessarily by any additions they made to their roster – but for the simple fact that they won the Jim Harbaugh sweepstakes.
We knew it was only a matter of time before Harbaugh would make his triumphant return to the NFL – and that time is finally upon us.
Upon arriving in Los Angeles, Harbaugh made immediate changes to the Bolts locker room.
It’s become clear that he’s trying to bring a college-feel to the organization – in a good way.
After all, the tight brotherhood that he created at Michigan was one of the biggest reasons why the Wolverines were so successful and ended up winning the national title last season.
Of course, the NFL is a different world – but the importance of toughness and togetherness are just as vital in creating a winning culture.
As it turns out, Harbaugh has brought another significant change with him to the pros.
It may not be ultra-popular with his players, but Harbaugh has put an end to the playing of music at practices.
“There was no music. In every other Chargers practice that I’ve been to before without Jim Harbaugh, they played a lot of music … So that’s an interesting note,” NFL Network’s Bridget Condon reported.
In addition to cutting the music in favor of focus, Harbaugh has introduced an increased emphasis on conditioning.
Condon observed the players engaging in rigorous end-of-practice drills, noting, “The last 10 minutes of practice we watched them do sled pulls. They were doing medicine ball carries.”
These changes come on the heels of the Chargers’ worst season in nearly a decade, which saw the mid-season firing of head coach Brandon Staley – a move the franchise hadn’t made since 1998.
Harbaugh inherits a team with a true franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert, the key element he lacked during his tenure with the San Francisco 49ers.
If Harbaugh can instill a strong culture and unlock Herbert’s full potential, the Chargers could be an immediate Super Bowl contender.
After all, if there’s one thing the Bolts haven’t lacked over the past few seasons it’s talent.
On paper, they’re one of the most talented teams in the entire league. However, as we all know, games are not played on paper.
But with a legitimate head coach now in town, the Chargers figure to finally take the next step as an organization.
What are your thoughts on Harbaugh taking over in Los Angeles?
Will he live up to the hype?
Do you like his decision to stop playing music at practice and ramp up the focus on conditioning?
What are your expectations entering the new season? … Will Harbaugh and the Chargers prove to be legitimate contenders???