Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh jubilantly celebrates victory at the B1G Championship during the Big Ten Championship Game against the Iowa Hawkeyes on December 2, 2023, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. (Photo by Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
In a surprising move, Jim Harbaugh, who recently led the Michigan Wolverines to a national championship, has left the college football scene to become the head coach for the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers, as officially announced on Wednesday.
Chargers Deal and Harbaugh’s Commitment
Harbaugh’s commitment to the Chargers is for a five-year deal, as reported by sources close to the negotiation, including ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
“The only job you start at the top is digging a hole, so we know we’ve got to earn our way.” Harbaugh said in a statement. “… This organization is putting in the work — investing capital, building infrastructure and doing everything within its power to win. Great effort equals great results, and we’re just getting started.”
Harbaugh’s Coaching Journey
Harbaugh was considered one of the most desirable coaching candidates due to his success in both college and professional football. Since his head-coaching career began in 2006 at the University of San Diego, Harbaugh has had success at Stanford and Michigan, and in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers.
Harbaugh’s connection to the Chargers extends to his playing days as he served as the team’s quarterback for two seasons. (1999-2000).
“Jim Harbaugh is football personified, and I can think of no one better to lead the Chargers forward.” Owner Dean Spanos said in a statement. “The son of a coach, brother of a coach and father of a coach who himself was coached by names like Schembechler and Ditka, for the past two decades Jim has led hundreds of men to success everywhere he’s been — as their coach. And today, Jim Harbaugh returns to the Chargers, this time as our coach. Who has it better than us?”
Spanos cited the rallying cry that Harbaugh leaned on during this season at Michigan, when he would yell, “Who’s got it better than us?” to players. It’s a phrase he got from his father, Jack, as a reminder to be grateful.
Collegiate Success and Michigan’s Achievements
In his collegiate coaching career, Harbaugh boasts a 144-42 record, securing three Big Ten championships and Michigan’s first national title since 1997 in the recent season, finishing with an undefeated 15-0 record.
“My love for Michigan, playing there and coming back to coach there, leaves a lasting impact. I’ll always be a loyal Wolverine,” Harbaugh said in his statement. “I’m remarkably fortunate to have coached at places where life’s journey has created strong personal connections for me”.
“From working as an assistant coach at Western Kentucky alongside my father, Jack, and time as an assistant with the Raiders, to being a head coach at USD, Stanford, the 49ers and Michigan — each of those opportunities carried significance, each felt personal. When I played for the Chargers, the Spanos family could not have been more gracious or more welcoming. Being back here feels like home, and it’s great to see that those things haven’t changed.”
Challenges at Michigan and Departure
Despite triumph, the 2023 season at Michigan was challenging for Harbaugh, marked by two three-game suspensions. He faced NCAA investigation-related suspensions and allegations surrounding a sign-stealing scandal, leading to the dismissal of staff member Connor Stalions.
In statements, University of Michigan president Santa Ono and athletic director Warde Manuel said the Wolverines’ program had discussed a new contract that would have made Harbaugh the highest-paid coach in college football.
Return to the NFL and Previous 49ers Stint
Harbaugh’s return to the NFL is notable, given his previous four-season stint as the head coach of the 49ers (2011-2014). He achieved the NFL’s Coach of the Year award in his first season and led the 49ers to Super Bowl XLVII, ultimately losing to the Baltimore Ravens coached by his brother John. His departure from the 49ers came with a regular-season record of 44-19-1.
Chargers Rebuilding Challenge
Taking on a similar rebuilding challenge with the Chargers, who finished the recent season at 5-12, Harbaugh faces the task of roster construction. The team is projected to be $27.5 million over the league salary cap, according to ESPN’s roster management system.
Harbaugh and the Chargers had been linked since the offseason began. Still, one of the potential challenges for the Harbaugh-Chargers reunion was if Spanos was willing to pay Harbaugh a competitive salary, one that would lure him away from Michigan and other NFL teams.
While the Chargers have signed players to record-breaking contracts, the organization has developed a reputation for not paying coaches. The Spanoses have denied that claim, with team president John Spanos telling reporters in December that he didn’t know where “narratives came from” and that the team has never had limitations with spending.
“You don’t build a résumé like Jim’s by accident, and you don’t do it by yourself.” Chargers president John Spanos said in a statement. “You need a team. And nobody has built a team more successfully, and repeatedly, in recent history than Jim Harbaugh. His former players swear by him, and his opponents swear at him. Jim is one of one.”
New General Manager Search
The Chargers recently fired coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco, following a challenging season that ended with a significant loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.
Now focused on the front office, the Chargers aim to hire a general manager to work in tandem with Harbaugh. In his last NFL stint, Harbaugh reportedly clashed with 49ers general manager Trent Baalke, leading to his departure for Michigan.
The Chargers’ coaching search involved interviews with nine general manager candidates and an extensive coaching search that included 15 candidates. With Harbaugh now leading the team, expectations are high for a successful turnaround under his experienced guidance.
University of Michigan’s Next Steps
The University of Michigan is now focusing on finding a replacement for Harbaugh, with offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore expected to be offered the job. Moore served as acting head coach for four games during the 2023 season — once during Harbaugh’s initial suspension and for all of Harbaugh’s second three-game suspension.
“Jim did exactly what he sought to do at Michigan, build our program to consistently win Big Ten Championships and compete for national championships.” Manuel said in a statement. “… We can’t thank Jim enough for all that he has done for our student-athletes, staff and Michigan Football. He will always be a huge part of our rich history, as we remember him as an all-time great Wolverine, excelling as both a championship player and coach”.
This report used information from the Associated Press.
