Backstory on Harbaugh’s Success at Michigan
Jim Harbaugh has experienced immense success as the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines over the past two seasons. After failing to beat arch-rival Ohio State during his first seven years at Michigan, Harbaugh finally broke through in 2023, beating the Buckeyes 45-23. This paved the way for Michigan to reach the College Football Playoff for the second straight year.
The Wolverines then dominated TCU 51-45 in a thrilling national championship game to give Harbaugh his first title as a head coach at any level. Michigan fans were elated to finally return to glory after nearly a 25 year drought. Harbaugh clearly has the program firing on all cylinders.
Michigan’s Record Under Harbaugh
| Season | Record | Bowl Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 10–3 | Citrus Bowl loss |
| 2016 | 10–3 | Orange Bowl loss |
| 2017 | 8–5 | Outback Bowl loss |
| 2018 | 10–3 | Peach Bowl loss |
| 2019 | 9–4 | VRBO Citrus Bowl loss |
| 2020 | 2–4 | No bowl game |
| 2021 | 12–2 | CFP Semifinal loss |
| 2022 | 13–1 | National Champions |
Chargers Take Notice of Harbaugh’s Success and Schedule Interview
With Harbaugh having great success at the college level, several NFL teams with head coaching vacancies have understandably taken notice. This includes the Los Angeles Chargers, who failed to make the playoffs this season after going 10-7 under Brandon Staley.
After two years of only moderate success under Staley, the Chargers decided to move on. Having seen what Harbaugh has quickly built at Michigan, Los Angeles believes he could be the right person to lead the talented Chargers roster to playoff success.
The Athletic’s Daniel Popper has reported that the Chargers put in a request to interview Harbaugh for their open position:
The Los Angeles Chargers submitted an interview request for Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, according to sources with knowledge of the situation. The Chargers are one of multiple teams to request an interview with Harbaugh.
Harbaugh has reportedly agreed to the interview, which is scheduled for Monday, January 15th in Los Angeles.
What Happens Next
Harbaugh has been open about entertaining NFL options despite his huge success at Michigan over the past two seasons. He said he would discuss any NFL opportunities with his family after the season ended:
“Yeah, there’s been some people that have been standing on the table saying they want to get me back in the NFL. As far as the NFL question concerned, what I said to them, and what I say to you, and this is the truth: I don’t know what the future holds. But I think that’s the truth.”
Now that Harbaugh is sitting down with the Chargers, this shows concrete interest on both sides in a potential partnership. Harbaugh seems destined to coach in the NFL again sooner or later.
After the interview on Monday, we will likely quickly find out if Harbaugh and the Chargers share a mutual vision and can agree to move forward on a deal.
If Harbaugh ultimately turns down the Chargers and returns to Michigan, don’t expect him to remain long term. He will likely keep listening to NFL opportunities short of an unprecedented long-term contract from Michigan.
What Would This Mean for Michigan?
If Harbaugh does in fact leave Michigan for the Chargers job, it would create a huge hole in the program he has quickly built into a juggernaut.
Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, who helped architect one of the best defenses in the country this past season, could potentially take over as head coach. But his lack of ties to Michigan could make him just a short term solution.
Michigan would likely look to make a big splash by luring a top head coaching candidate to replace Harbaugh, given the momentum he has created. Luke Fickell of Cincinnati, Matt Campbell of Iowa State, or even former Michigan QB and current NFL Network analyst Deion Sanders are names that could make sense on the Wolverines’ wish list.
Final Thoughts
It remains to be seen if Harbaugh will bolt to Los Angeles or remain the king in Ann Arbor. But this is certainly a situation to watch, as the Chargers clearly have serious interest, and by agreeing to an interview, Harbaugh shows he is willing to listen. Strap in for what could be a wild ride on the coaching carousel with one of the biggest names in football.
To err is human, but AI does it too. Whilst factual data is used in the production of these articles, the content is written entirely by AI. Double check any facts you intend to rely on with another source.
