Jim Harbaugh on working with Justin Herbert: 'It's been incredible'

Jim Harbaugh already has an advantage over other first-year coaches. The new guy with the Chargers inherited a young quarterback who already has made a Pro Bowl.

It’s why Harbaugh, who led Michigan to a national championship, is so high on Justin Herbert. The Chargers selected Herbert, the former Oregon star, with the sixth pick of the 2020 NFL Draft. Herbert earned rookie of the year. And then the next season, he earned a spot in the Pro Bowl after throwing for 5,014 yards and 38 touchdowns.

By 2022, Herbert helped lead the Chargers to the playoffs. Last year was a step back after Herbert needed surgery to repair his index finger.

As you can tell, Harbaugh can build around Herbert.

“He’s been incredible,” the Chargers new head coach told reporters last month. “I think it’s probably the reaction that everybody has. From my standpoint, I knew he was really good, but you’re right up next to him watching where you can feel the way the ball comes out of his hand. When it comes out, it’s going a lot faster than you think, than it looks on tape.

“He’s bigger, taller than you’d think watching TV,” Harbaugh said of Herbert. “The athleticism and strength, really, he could play tight end here. He could play edge rusher here. And the arm talent is even better than advertised. It’s an exciting thing. I found myself just sitting at my desk at times, going, ‘He’s on our team!’”

Herbert kind of has the “he’s our coach” vibe, too.

“He’s done such a great job taking this team and getting them to where he wants them to go,” Herbert said. “He’s won wherever he’s at. (And) he’s a guy that everyone wants to follow and play for. I’m really excited to get to play for him.”

Harbaugh already is familiar with his new team. He was around for all the OTAs and then minicamp. On Tuesday, the Chargers rookies will report for training camp. Herbert and the veterans show up a week later.

Herbert is only 26. But he’s already grown accustomed to change with the Chargers. As he heads into his fifth season, Harbaugh is Herbert’s third different head coach. He also will have his fourth different offensive coordinator.

A big selling point for Herbert is the fact Harbaugh is an old quarterback at heart. After all, Harbaugh played quarterback in the NFL for 14 seasons.

“For him to come to the quarterback room and share his thoughts, it’s great perspective,” Herbert said. “He’s done it as a coach and played at a high level for so long. Any advice like that is awesome. It’s great for us. We get to learn from him.”

Now, the main goal is turning around the Chargers. A 5-12 record isn’t acceptable. But Harbaugh has a quarterback he can use as a base.