Jim Harbaugh Returns to Los Angeles Chargers as Head Coach
Carson, Calif. – The Los Angeles Chargers today announced that they have agreed to terms with Jim Harbaugh to become the team’s next head coach. Harbaugh, a former quarterback for the Chargers from 1999-2000, spent the past nine seasons as head football coach at his alma mater, the University of Michigan.
“Jim Harbaugh is the quintessential football guy, and I can think of no one better to lead the Chargers forward,” said Owner and Chairman of the Board Dean Spanos. “The son, brother, and father of coaches, and a player himself under 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?”
“You don’t build a resume like Jim’s by accident, and you don’t do it by yourself,” said President of Football Operations John Spanos. “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, and we couldn’t be more excited to have him back in the Chargers organization as our head coach.”
Harbaugh brings with him a winning culture, posting a 144-52 record as a collegiate head coach and a 49-22-1 record as an NFL head coach. In four years, he led the San Francisco 49ers to three-straight NFC Championship Games, including an appearance in Super Bowl XLVII.
Harbaugh’s Coaching Career
Harbaugh’s coaching career began as the quarterbacks coach for the Oakland Raiders from 2002-03. In his first season with Oakland, the Raiders went to Super Bowl XXXVII, while quarterback Rich Gannon earned MVP honors and was named a Pro Bowler and an AP first-team All-Pro.
In 15 years as an NFL quarterback (1987-2001), Harbaugh played for five organizations, including with the Chargers from 1999-2000. He got his start in coaching while he was still playing in the NFL, working as an unpaid assistant at Western Kentucky from 1994-2001, where his father, Jack, was the head coach. Harbaugh was selected with the 25th overall pick in the 1987 NFL Draft by Chicago and went on to start 140-of-177 career games played, throwing for 26,288 yards and 129 touchdowns. He led the NFL in passer rating in 1995, earning Comeback Player of the Year recognition and a Pro Bowl selection after leading the Colts to an AFC Championship Game appearance. Harbaugh eventually went to the Chargers for two seasons and is one of four Bolts quarterbacks to throw for 400 yards in a single game.
Prior to being a head coach in the NFL, Harbaugh spent four years at the helm at Stanford University (2007-10) and three at the University of San Diego (2004-06). He turned around a Stanford program that went 1-11 in 2006 and led the Cardinal to 29 wins over his four seasons in Palo Alto, Calif., including a 12-win season that culminated in an Orange Bowl victory in 2010. Harbaugh broke into the head coaching ranks at San Diego, leading the Toreros to a 29-6 record in three years.
Harbaugh’s Success at Michigan
Harbaugh led Michigan to an 86-25 record in his nine seasons as head coach. His teams topped 10 wins six times and made three consecutive CFP appearances from 2021-23, winning the national title this past season and setting a school record with 15 wins. Since taking over as head coach for the Wolverines in 2015, Harbaugh coached the top defense in the nation, allowing just 291.0 yards per game in that span. Michigan had a top-five defense in the country five times over those nine seasons, including twice as the top-ranked defense in the nation.
“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’s Coaching Philosophy
Harbaugh is known for his intense and demanding coaching style. He is a master motivator and has a knack for getting the most out of his players. Harbaugh is also a stickler for discipline and accountability. He expects his players to be prepared, on time, and to give 100% effort at all times.
“Jim Harbaugh is a winner,” said Chargers general manager Tom Telesco. “He knows how to build a successful program, and he knows how to get the most out of his players. We are confident that he is the right man to lead the Chargers to a Super Bowl.”
Harbaugh’s Challenges with the Chargers
Harbaugh will face a number of challenges in his first season with the Chargers. The team is coming off a 9-8 season and missed the playoffs. The Chargers also have a number of holes on their roster, including at quarterback, wide receiver, and cornerback.
However, Harbaugh is a proven winner and he has a track record of success. He is also a master motivator and he knows how to get the most out of his players. The Chargers are confident that Harbaugh is the right man to lead them to a Super Bowl.
Harbaugh’s Contract
The terms of Harbaugh’s contract with the Chargers were not disclosed. However, it is believed that he will be one of the highest-paid coaches in the NFL.