Joey Bosa weighs in on having Jim Harbaugh as head coach amid Ohio State, Michigan rivalry

In 2015, Jim Harbaugh coached in his first rivalry game between Ohio State and Michigan. The Buckeyes had a star on their defensive line that year in Joey Bosa, who ended up going No. 3 overall in the 2016 NFL Draft to the San Diego Chargers.

Nine years later, their paths are crossing again. Only this time, Bosa is preparing to play for Harbaugh, who’s taking over as Los Angeles Chargers head coach this year after leading Michigan to a national title and a third straight victory over Ohio State in 2023.

It’s safe to say, the new coach is making an impression. Bosa said he’s enjoying meetings with Harbaugh, whose personality hasn’t changed since he returned to the NFL level this spring.

“I really look forward, actually, to going to team meetings and hearing what Coach Harbaugh has to say every day,” Bosa said. “It’s always something interesting with him. So yeah, it’s been a good start.”

Harbaugh saw what Bosa was capable of on that November 2015 day in Ann Arbor. He had three tackles, a sack and an interception that day as Ohio State defeated Michigan 42-13 as part of a 12-1 season under Urban Meyer.

Since the Chargers drafted him, he only got better. Bosa was the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2016 and has four Pro Bowl appearances under his belt during his career. That includes three trips to the game before injuries got in the way of his 2022 and 2023 seasons in Los Angeles.

Chargers kicked off training camp this week

This year, Joey Bosa will try to turn things around under Harbaugh, who’s taking over for Brandon Staley in his first NFL job since leading the San Francisco 49ers to a 44-19-1 record over four seasons. Training camp began this week as they start their new partnership, and Harbaugh summed up his excitement in true Jim Harbaugh fashion.

“It’s like New Year’s Day. It feels like being born. It feels like coming out of the womb,” Harbaugh said Wednesday, via ESPN’s Kris Rhim. “You’re in there. It’s comfortable and safe, and now you’re out. You’re born. Lights are on. It’s bright, chaos; people looking at you; people talking at you; and it just feels good to have it happen.”

Harbaugh will make his Chargers coaching debut Sept. 8 in Las Vegas when they take on the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium.