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Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh wasn’t celebrating Saturday’s playoff-clinching 40-7 win over the Patriots alone. He was searching for someone. “Where’s Joe? Where’s Joe?” Harbaugh asked as he moved through the visitors’ locker room in New England. That “Joe” was Joe Hortiz, the Chargers’ general manager. When Harbaugh found him, they embraced, exchanged heartfelt “I love yous,” and reminded each other that the season wasn’t over yet.
A Shared Vision
Harbaugh is the face of the Chargers, with billboards and fans clamoring for his autograph, but this year’s success isn’t his alone. Hortiz, in his first season as general manager, orchestrated a roster transformation that doubled the team’s win total from last year.
“He takes no deep, long bows, but he should,” Harbaugh said. “He should take a very deep, long bow for just how good he is and what he’s been able to do with this team.”
Hortiz’s efforts were backed by a strong front office team, including assistant general manager Chad Alexander. The two have worked together for over 20 years, beginning their careers in the Baltimore Ravens’ personnel department. Their partnership in Los Angeles has been instrumental in turning the Chargers into playoff contenders.
Finding Hidden Talent
The Chargers’ turnaround has been fueled by smart moves in free agency, the draft, and even the waiver wire. One shining example was in Week 13 when the team claimed safety Marcus Maye just four days before facing the Atlanta Falcons. Maye, who had worked with Alexander during their time with the Jets, played 21 snaps and made a game-sealing interception in a 17-13 victory.
“The great thing with Chad is Chad can just run with it,” Hortiz said. “He’s such a great leader. And he’s a great evaluator, a great leader, extremely intelligent and just organized and just has everything the roadmap already laid out before I even go in there. It’s great.”
Draft Success Stories
This season also highlighted the value of the Chargers’ draft strategy. Rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey has been a revelation. On Saturday, McConkey delivered one of the best performances of his young career, catching eight passes for 94 yards and two touchdowns. His effort broke the Chargers’ single-season rookie records for receptions and yards.
McConkey’s standout game came against the Patriots, the team Los Angeles traded with to select him 34th overall. His performance underscored the value of the trade, especially when compared to the combined 2024 production of the two players New England picked instead—Ja’Lynn Polk (87 yards) and Javon Baker (0 yards).
Defensive Transformation
The Chargers’ defense, one of the league’s worst in 2023, has become the NFL’s top scoring unit this season. This drastic improvement is largely due to offseason additions like defensive tackle Poona Ford, safety Elijah Molden, and rookie cornerback Tarheeb Still.
Ford signed a one-year deal in March and has emerged as the team’s best interior lineman, setting career highs in tackles for loss (8), quarterback hits (9), and recording his first career interception. Molden, acquired for a seventh-round pick, quickly became a starter, excelling in deep safety while allowing Derwin James Jr. to thrive at nickel.
Still, he started the year as a healthy inactive but seized his chance when Asante Samuel Jr. went on injured reserve in Week 6. The rookie now leads the team with four interceptions.
A United Front
Questions about Harbaugh’s ability to work with a general manager followed him from his days with the 49ers, where tensions with Trent Baalke made headlines. However, Harbaugh and Hortiz have embraced a “Batman and Robin” dynamic, alternating leadership roles depending on the time of year.
That collaboration has been crucial to the Chargers’ success. As defensive coordinator Jesse Minter put it, “I think Joe has done a great job bringing in players whose skill set fits what we do,”
While the Chargers’ playoff spot is secured, both Harbaugh and Hortiz know the job isn’t finished. Their partnership—and the team they’ve built—has set the stage for a promising postseason run.
Related Content: Larry Lambert’s Top 10 Chargers
This report used information from ESPN.
