What Jim Harbaugh said about Michigan at Chargers introductory press conference

Former Michigan Wolverines football head coach Jim Harbaugh departed the program last week and was introduced Thursday as the next head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers. Here are relevant quotes from his introductory press conference.

On why now was the right time to leave Michigan and why the Chargers were the right fit

“The opportunity that was presented, and I felt that they, the Spanos family, the Charger organization, they made it clear that they liked what I did and how I did it — and that’s all you can ever want from somebody that’s employing you.

“Love of Michigan, but love of the NFL and this opportunity. As my dad would say, ‘Who’s got it better than us?’ 

“It was time. I 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. I’m grateful to have this opportunity, and already attacking. Already a lot of work getting done, and just can’t wait for, after this, we’re going to go over to the facility, we’re going to look at that, still opportunity to look at it. We can look at that and maybe get some of the equipment ordered that we want.

“But all that is just so exciting. Each day right now is just filled with fulfillment of just chipping away, just chipping away at things. How can we make this to where we can put our players in the absolute best environment to be successful?”

On if he interviewed the Chargers as much as they interviewed him

“Me interviewing? I mean, there were just conversations — football talk, football dialogue — and it was great. It was flowing so well that it was like I was finishing some of their sentences and they were finishing some of my sentences.

“And the resources, we’re about to go after the press conference over to the new facility. The proof is in the pudding there. Like Dean [Spanos] said, I said I was hungry to win, he said he was starving to win, and let’s go! I have no doubt that it’s all about winning, and winning the right way and doing everything for this organization to apex.

“I believe Dean, the Spanos family and myself share an important asset, which is relentless. Had a pretty good sense of the sincerity of that. They’re sincere people, and I take them at their word. And everything since has been, we’re working, we’re working toward it. I feel good about it.”

On where the Michigan program is at after his departure and with Sherrone Moore as the new head coach

“Sherrone is the right man for the job. Nobody else would be … I mean, that’s the guy, and they got it right. I see they’re a top-five team right now, top-rated team. I think of it as one — Chargers and Michigan Wolverines like one team, and in a great place. In a great place.

“Much like when players leave the university to go onto the pros, there’s a passing of the baton that takes place. When you see [Michigan quarterback] J.J. [McCarthy] leave [for the NFL Draft], but then I see [juniors] Jayden Denegal, Alex Orji, that next day they’re on that field, they’re throwing with receivers. There’s an excitement there. Been enthralled in that as a player, when the quarterback ahead of me left or graduated. And it’s the same for coaches.

“Been talking to Sherrone Moore. I mean, the guy is on fire right now. He’s working hard.”

On if Jesse Minter and Ben Herbert are joining the Chargers

“Coaches like [Michigan defensive coordinator] Jesse Minter — he’s a tremendous coach. We’re going through a process right now. Ben Herbert, I can confirm that he’s going to be in charge, but the passing of the baton was there to Justin Tress — J. Tress. Hugged it out and right there in the middle of the weight room. In great hands. I’m always gonna be a loyal Wolverine.”

On if Michigan could’ve done anything to keep him

“Michigan was great. Michigan — have a great love for Michigan and great love for the NFL. And this opportunity and challenge is what I wanted.”

On if he agrees with college coaches who don’t enjoy the challenges that come with NIL and the new era of college football

“I don’t look at the obstacles. Every job has its downside or challenge or adversity, but no, I have no complaint. People that complain, that’s a common plain — that word comes from ‘common-plain.’ They want to get you to agree with them. I’ve got no complaints. I’ve got no complaints. I love football, love coaching, and faith, family, football. This opportunity I just have tremendous gratitude for.”

On his message to Chargers fans

“We’re going to get as good at football [as we can]. We’re going to aspire to be a team that Vince Lombardi would be proud of — blocking, tackling, toughness, playing smart, playing fast, playing physical. Those are still very important. And I know a lot has changed since I was in the NFL — the last year was 2014. But one thing I’m pretty sure that hasn’t changed is that you’ve gotta win. So, that’s what we’re attacking.”

On if he has an advantage with scouting for the draft, coming from Michigan and the college ranks

“I think it is an advantage. All the players that played for us at Michigan, but I recruited a lot of the other ones through the years, too. I don’t know how much — I don’t have the scientific percentage on that — but I think it does help.”

On if Jesse Minter and Jay Harbaugh will join the Chargers staff

“Going through the process right now. Timeline … just gotta get it right. There are so many good coaches out there, and nobody I respect more than Jesse. Shining star as a coach. You know I’ve been with him [for two years at Michigan]. 

“I want to talk to as many people as I can before we make the final hires. But he would be tremendous. 

“Jay is a great coach, a shining star, as well. We’ll let you know. We haven’t made the final decisions on the staff yet.”