Jim Harbaugh releases first public comments on taking Chargers job
It’s official: Jim Harbaugh is now the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers. On Wednesday evening, news broke that the two sides agreed to terms for the Michigan Wolverines‘ national championship-winning head coach to lead the AFC’s Los Angeles franchise.
Shortly after the announcement was made, Harbaugh shared his thoughts on a number of topics, from his time at Michigan to accepting the Chargers head coaching position.
“My love for Michigan, playing there and coming back to coach there, leaves a lasting impact. I’ll always be a loyal Wolverine,” said Harbaugh. “I’m remarkably fortunate to have been afforded the privilege of coaching 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.
“The only job you start at the top is digging a hole, so we know we’ve got to earn our way. Be better today than yesterday. Be better tomorrow than today. My priorities are faith, family and football, and we are going to attack each with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind. 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 getting five-year contract from Los Angeles Chargers
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Chargers are giving Harbaugh a five-year deal. The amount of money it took for Los Angeles to lure him away from Ann Arbor is currently unknown.
The 60-year-old Harbaugh is fresh off leading Michigan to its first national title since 1997. He last coached in the NFL in 2014 with the San Francisco 49ers. He spent four seasons in San Francisco (2011-14), going 44-19 with a Super Bowl XLVII appearance. Harbaugh is the fifth-winningest head coach in NFL history by win percentage, trailing only Guy Chamberlain, John Madden, Vince Lombardi and George Allen.
All Harbaugh has done at the collegiate level is win, as he went 29-6 at San Diego State (2004-06) and 29-21 at Stanford (2007-10). From 2015-current, he’s gone 86-25 including a perfect 15-0 season in 2023.
Harbaugh was the first candidate to get a second interview with the Chargers during their search. He also had multiple interviews with the Atlanta Falcons before making the jump to Los Angeles. With the Chargers continually failing to make progress in the playoffs, they will be hoping Harbaugh can take them over the top. Los Angeles’ last playoff win came back in 2018, earning just two victories in the last 14 seasons.