Jim Harbaugh era ends: Michigan coach headed to NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers
The third time was a charm for Jim Harbaugh.
The Michigan coach has flirted with the NFL for three years, thought he was going to be the next coach of the Minnesota Vikings two years ago, but is now reportedly headed back to the NFL to coach the Los Angeles Chargers, with ESPN’s Adam Schefter breaking the news Wednesday evening.
Harbaugh had a contract in front of him that would have made him the highest-paid coach in the Big Ten and one of the highest in the country, and athletic director Warde Manuel said during the celebration at Crisler Center Jan. 13 he was still working on keeping him.
“I am working on getting this man a new contract. I promise you,” he said to a roaring crowd while Harbaugh tapped his heart in thanks.
President Santa Ono, too, told us on the field following the National Championship win over Washington he would do whatever he could to keep Harbaugh in Ann Arbor. However, the chance to chase the Lombardi Trophy (Super Bowl championship) proved too tough to overcome.
Harbaugh will coach in the NFL or the first time since leading the San Francisco 49ers from 2011 to 2014. He led the team to a 2012 Super Bowl, losing a tight one to his brother John and the Baltimore Ravens, and led the squad to three NFC conference title game appearances and a 44-19-1 record.
The Chargers, who fired Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco in Week 15, interviewed former Buffalo Bills D.C. Leslie Frazier, 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, and Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, among others. Included — former Michigan and Harbaugh defensive coordinator Mike MacDonald, who spent his second season with the Baltimore Ravens coordinating their defense.
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The last three Chargers’ coaches were considered up-and-comers, but it appeared from the get-go they might switch course this time around and go for the proven commodity. Enter Harbaugh, who has won wherever he’s been. Harbaugh led the Wolverines to an 89-25 record and eight bowl game appearances in nine seasons and to a 15-0 record and National Championship in 2023. They capped it with a 34-13 win over the Huskies in the National Championship game.
The Chargers were also searching for a new general manager, and it just so happened that all three they announced they’d interview had ties to Harbaugh … New York Giants assistant G.M. Brandon Brown, Baltimore Ravens director of player personnel Joe Hortiz, and Chicago Bears assistant GM Ian Cunningham. Hortiz works with Harbaugh’s brother in Baltimore, while Cunningham worked as a scout for the Ravens for nine seasons.
Though the Chargers reportedly have some salary cap issues, they also have an outstanding quarterback in Justin Herbert who is one of the league’s potential best. They now believe they have the coach who will help him — and the franchise — reach its potential.
Sources have said Michigan will likely promote offensive coordinator/line coach Sherrone Moore to head coach. Watch for more articles on this and which U-M assistants Harbaugh might take with him in the hours to come.
