By Jason Berndt
On Wednesday, the Los Angeles Chargers announced Jim Harbaugh as their new head coach, signifying his return to the NFL after guiding Michigan to a college football national championship. Chargers owner and chairman Dean Spanos praised Harbaugh’s extensive football background, highlighting his coaching success and familial connections to the sport. “Jim Harbaugh is football personified,” said Dean Spanos, Chargers owner and chairman in a franchise announcement. “And I can think of no one better to lead the Chargers forward. The son of a coach, brother of a coach and father of a coach who himself was coached by names like (Bo) Schembechler and (Mike) Ditka, for the past two decades Jim has led hundreds of men to success everywhere he’s been — as their coach. And today, Jim Harbaugh returns to the Chargers, this time as our coach. Who has it better than us?”
Harbaugh, who retired from the NFL as a backup quarterback with the Chargers, has built an impressive coaching career, starting in San Diego. President of football operations John Spanos emphasized Harbaugh’s knack for building successful teams. The move comes after the Chargers parted ways with head coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco following a 5-12 season. Harbaugh, with a notable coaching history that includes leading the San Francisco 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance, departs Michigan with an 89-25 record, capping his tenure with a national championship. His coaching journey began in 2004 at the University of San Diego, followed by successful stints at Stanford and the 49ers. “My love for Michigan, playing there and coming back to coach there, leaves a lasting impact. I’ll always be a loyal Wolverine,” Harbaugh said in a statement. “I’m remarkably fortunate to have been afforded the privilege of coaching at places where life’s journey has created strong personal connections for me. From working as an assistant coach at Western Kentucky alongside my father, Jack, and time as an assistant with the Raiders, to being a head coach at USD, Stanford, the 49ers and Michigan — each of those opportunities carried significance, each felt personal. When I played for the Chargers, the Spanos family could not have been more gracious or more welcoming. Being back here feels like home, and it’s great to see that those things haven’t changed.”
So, after months or even years of speculation for that matter, Harbaugh finally bolts for the Chargers (pun intended). Many will be upset; however many will be happy the drama is over. What is next now for Michigan? It is highly expected that offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore, who led the wolverines to multiple wins during Harbaugh’s suspension this year including a huge win over rival Ohio State. However, don’t be surprised if other names get thrown into the hat.
Sherrone Moore – Michigan Offensive Coordinator
Year after year Jim Harbaugh has flirted with NFL jobs. It has been a common trend that now has finally resulted in him accepting the Los Angeles job. Michigan fans should have mixed emotions, but really they should lean more towards relief. Whether it’s Moore, or another top name that takes on the new role as Michigan head coach, it is a new beginning that should be welcomed. Harbaugh knew sanctions were coming from the NCAA, the Big Ten is adding high caliber teams Oregon and Washington next year with maybe more to come, quarterback J.J. McCarthy is leaving for the NFL draft, all had to have led to his decision. Many of these older coaches don’t want to deal with the new rules in college athletics including the transfer portals and NIL deals. We’ll wait and see what Michigan will do next.
