Jim Harbaugh reflects on living in RV during first days at Chargers coach

Jim Harbaugh wasted no time moving to Los Angeles after accepting an offer to become the Chargers’ next head coach. In fact, Harbaugh was in such a hurry that he did not bother to buy a house.

After being hired in January, Harbaugh lived in an RV in Los Angeles for three months while his family prepared for the move back in Michigan. During the stint, Harbaugh was neighbors with Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman. Earlier this month, Harbaugh reflected on his time in the RV.

“It was everything I thought and even more,” Harbaugh said. “I didn’t drive the RV. My brother-in-law John Fairborn did. But, he got it out here and then it then it played out much like I really thought it would. It was tremendous experience.

“It just allowed me to do what I had to do, which was work 16, 17, 18 hours a day and then return to the RV, go to bed at nine o’clock and then be back to work at 3:30, 4 In the morning. And, [there were] no distractions. Distractions were down to nothing and I felt the production was high because of that.”

Harbaugh had no shortage of work to do. The 60-year-old head coach revamped his coaching staff with Michigan coaches, including secondary coach Steve Clinkscale, defensive line coach Mike Elston and defensive coordinator Jesse Minter.

Harbaugh will need all the help he can find with lofty goals he has in mind.

“The opportunity was presented,” Jim Harbaugh said. “I felt that they, the Spanos family, the Charger organization, they made it clear they liked what I did and how I did it. And that’s all you could ever want from somebody that’s employing you. So, love of Michigan, the love of the NFL, and this opportunity. As my dad would say, who’s got it better than us.

“It was time. I said this the other day but I’ve only got so many sands left in the hourglass. And I want another shot. I want another shot to be simply known as world champions. The Lombardi Trophy–that’s my mission.”

If Harbaugh can bring the Chargers a Lombardi Trophy, perhaps he can return to his simple life in the RV. However, he doubts it.

“One thing I think I probably learned out of it was that simple life is the best life,” Harbaugh said. “Unfortunately, it’s not in the cards for me with seven kids and a full-time job and and lots to do.”