Chargers Take Massive Step in Jim Harbaugh Pursuit
By Cem Yolbulan
The Michigan Wolverines are preparing for their National Championship parade on Saturday, but their head coach Jim Harbaugh may be planning his NFL return. Despite reports of Michigan offering him a contract that will make him the highest-paid head coach in college football, Harbaugh seems set on coming back to the NFL. The Los Angeles Chargers are emerging as the frontrunners to land him.
With seven teams with head coach openings across the NFL, Harbaugh will have plenty of interested parties bidding for his services. The Raiders and the Chargers have emerged as the most likely destinations for the 60-year-old coach, but Los Angeles seems to have taken a major step, as NFL Network reported that Harbaugh plans to meet with the Chargers next week.
Los Angeles Chargers and Jim Harbaugh set to meet next week
After a disappointing 5-12 season, the Chargers parted ways with Brandon Staley, who has been in charge for three years. Harbaugh was believed to be the no.1 target for Los Angeles ever since. Those around the league also believed that the Chargers were the preferred landing spot for Harbaugh if he indeed wanted a change of scenery.
Harbaugh is one of the most decorated coaches across college and pro levels. The last time he coached in the NFL, he led the San Francisco 49ers to the Super Bowl and three playoff appearances in four years. He has an impressive 44-19 record in the regular season and 5-3 in the playoffs.
For a team that has made the playoffs once in the last five seasons, Harbaugh is an ideal fit. The success he's had everywhere he has coached is undeniable. The Chargers need someone who can build a culture and winning habits. Harbaugh has proven time and time again that he is capable of doing that.
Harbaugh has interviewed with NFL teams before deciding to stay with his alma mater. Whether the Chargers will be able to lure him away from Michigan remains to be seen, but a head coach searching for that elusive Super Bowl win and a team desperate for postseason success could be a match made in heaven.