Nov 7, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA;  Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric Decosta one the field before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

GM: ‘Disappointed’ Ravens have hard questions to answer

Baltimore Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta expressed disappointment with how the team’s season came to an end but added he’s already “moved on” in search of a solution for a better result in 2025.

DeCosta and head coach John Harbaugh held their season-ending news conference Wednesday. The Ravens had a 12-5 regular-season mark and won the AFC North but lost 27-25 to the Buffalo Bills in the AFC divisional playoffs on Sunday.

“I’m very proud of the team this year. … Not gonna sit up here and say it was not a successful season. It was in just about every way of looking at it. But I’m disappointed, John’s disappointed. We’re all disappointed. Our team’s disappointed,” DeCosta told reporters. “We had higher aspirations and we didn’t achieve those aspirations and goals. I’ve already moved on. … I love being part of the solution and that’s what we’ll be.”

Integral to their loss but also to their future is three-time Pro Bowl tight end Mark Andrews, who dropped a game-tying 2-point conversion try with 1:33 remaining that iced the game for the Bills. The All-Pro TE also lost a fumble. Andrews still hasn’t met with the media but Harbaugh did the talking for him.

“Mark is a huge part of our future and we love him,” Harbaugh said. “We’re there for him. If anybody can take a tough circumstance like that and handle it with class and grace and dignity and mental toughness, it’s most definitely Mark Andrews.”

DeCosta noted that Andrews and fellow TEs Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar are all entering the final year of their contracts in 2025 which could lead to some “tough decisions” ahead.

DeCosta also addressed the Pro Bowl season that running back Derrick Henry had and acknowledged the Ravens might try to rework his deal for a softer cap hit in 2025. Henry’s cap number is currently set at $12.895 million in 2025.

“I think he proved he had a lot left in the tank,” DeCosta said. “We’ll look at that, it’s a good question. I’m just so grateful Derrick chose us last year.”

DeCosta said he also expects kicker Justin Tucker, who uncharacteristically struggled this past season, to be the team’s kicker in 2025.

“I have every expectation that Justin’s going to be a great kicker for us next year and moving forward,” DeCosta said. “He finished strong this year toward the end, had a little adversity midway through the season, but I think Justin is a tremendous competitor, very, very talented. He works his butt off, and I would expect he will be the kicker for us next year.”

–Field Level Media

Sep 15, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Los Angeles Chargers head coach John Harbaugh during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Latest Harbaugh matchup is key contest for Ravens, Chargers

When Jim Harbaugh met brother John for the postgame handshake following Super Bowl XLVII, he figured he’d get a chance to avenge the setback someday.

Nearly 12 years later, the two Harbaughs will be back on the same field as NFL head coaches when the Baltimore Ravens visit the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday night.

Both teams are in the playoff mix with Baltimore holding a 7-4 record and the Chargers sitting at 7-3.

John Harbaugh has won both NFL matchups against his brother, including the Ravens’ 34-31 win over Jim’s San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl following the 2012 regular season.

The other meeting was on Thanksgiving Day in 2011 when host Baltimore won a 16-6 decision.

Now, the hype train is on overload as the siblings prepare to face one another again.

“It’s a tough matchup,” 62-year-old John Harbaugh said of the contest on Wednesday. “Winning football team. Extremely well-coached football team, no doubt about it. One of the best coaches of our generation. Even if he wasn’t my brother, I’d say that.”

Jim Harbaugh, 60, is back in the NFL after coaching Michigan for nine seasons and winning last season’s national championship. He previously spent four seasons leading the 49ers.

Being part of the college ranks made the wait longer for Jim to face John, who is in his 17th season as coach of the Ravens.

Those memories of being on the wrong side of the Super Bowl outcome took a while to dissipate.

“At the time, that was tough,” Jim Harbaugh said Wednesday. “After some time and reflection went by, it’s my brother, it’s my best friend. Really proud of him. Really happy for his success. It was earned.”

Ravens star safety Kyle Hamilton said being part of the brotherly rivalry is a unique deal.

“From his perspective, he’s done a good job managing emotions,” Hamilton said of John Harbaugh. “We still have a game to play, but I think everybody understands it’s kind of historic and it’s cool to be part of history.”

Both coaches made remarks suggesting they didn’t want their brotherly battle to overshadow the pivotal AFC contest.

The Ravens are in second place in the AFC North, one game behind the Pittsburgh Steelers. Baltimore is 4-4 against AFC foes.

The Chargers are two games behind the first-place Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West. Los Angeles is a solid 5-2 against fellow AFC teams.

Baltimore lost 18-16 to the host Steelers last week after winning seven of its previous eight games. The Chargers have won four straight games after notching a 34-27 victory over the visiting Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.

Both teams employ quarterbacks having solid campaigns.

Two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson of Baltimore ranks second in the NFL in passing yardage (2,876) and touchdown passes (25). He has been intercepted just three times and has rushed for 584 yards and two scores.

Justin Herbert of the Chargers has been intercepted just once. He has thrown for 2,186 yards and 13 touchdowns.

“His talent, the effort that he puts in. Everything that you can say good about a quarterback and then some,” Jim Harbaugh said regarding what he likes about Herbert. “Talent and effort, and then intangibles that are off the charts. Any measurable you can have for a quarterback, tangible or intangible, he possesses at the elite, highest level.”

Ravens star middle linebacker Roquan Smith (hamstring) missed practice on Thursday. The NFL co-leader in tackles (110) was hurt against the Steelers.

Also sitting out practice for Baltimore were receiver Nelson Agholor (illness), cornerback Arthur Maulet (calf), safety Sanoussi Kane (ankle) and defensive lineman Travis Jones (ankle).

Chargers rookie receiver Ladd McConkey (shoulder) sat out practice Thursday. He was injured against the Bengals.

Middle linebacker Denzel Perryman (groin), cornerback Cam Hart (concussion/ankle) and safety AJ Finley (ankle) also sat out practice.

The Ravens have won the teams’ past four regular-season meetings, but the host Chargers recorded a 23-17 wild-card victory over Baltimore following the 2018 regular season.

–Field Level Media

Baltimore Ravens place kicker Justin Tucker (9) reacts to a missed field goal against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Ravens back PK Justin Tucker after missed FGs in two-point loss

Justin Tucker remains the only option for the Baltimore Ravens at kicker, and head coach John Harbaugh emphasized on Monday he plans to keep it that way.

Tucker missed two field goals Sunday in Baltimore’s 18-16 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, a defeat that pushes the Steelers into full control of the AFC North.

Tucker made a 54-yard field goal after missing from 47 and 50 yards to fall from the top of the all-time NFL accuracy rankings.

“The best option right now is to get Justin back on point because he is fully capable of doing it,” Harbaugh said. “We certainly haven’t lost any confidence in Justin Tucker.”

Carolina Panthers kicker Eddy Pineiro moved ahead of Tucker by percentage points. Pineiro is the NFL’s most accurate kicker ever at 89.4 percent (101 of 113) with Tucker standing at 89.3 entering Week 12. In 460 career tries, Tucker has made 411 field goals in 460 attempts.

The six total missed FGs this season (in 22 attempts) exceed his total number of misses last season (five in 37 attempts). He already has tied for the second-most misses in a season during his 13-year career.

“He’s definitely our best option and he’s going to make a lot of kicks,” Harbaugh said. “I really believe that going forward. But it’s up to him and the guys he works with every day, to make those balls go straight. He’s going to get it figured out. We have coaches. We have technique, we look at the tape, he’s practicing well. He’s got to kick it straight.”

It was only the sixth time in his career that Tucker missed two field goals in the same game. He has five missed field goals in the Ravens’ four losses.

Tucker’s field-goal percentage of 72.7 has never been lower 11 games into the regular season.

Harbaugh said there is no point or purpose in trying to find competition to push Tucker this week or going forward.

“You’d have to find that competition first if you’re going to be blunt about it,” the coach said. “Where is that competition?”

–Field Level Media

Oct 13, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh following the win over the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh briefly exits game due to arrhythmia

Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh had to receive medical attention for a heart rhythm issue during Sunday’s 23-16 road victory over the Denver Broncos.

Harbaugh said he experienced an “atrial flutter,” also known as arrhythmia, but that his heartbeat returned to normal rhythm after he went to the locker room.

Harbaugh, 60, was dealing with the issue just prior to the contest and was examined in the medical tent on the sideline. Then right after the game began, he walked off the field with team trainers and the club announced he left with an illness.

Harbaugh said he received an IV from paramedics and was given a magnesium pill.

Harbaugh returned to the sideline midway through the first quarter.

This was the second time Harbaugh experienced arrhythmia during a game. The other came on Nov. 19, 2012 when he was coach of the San Francisco 49ers during a 32-7 victory over the Chicago Bears.

“I’ve had a couple of ablations — one in 1999 and one in 2012,” Harbaugh said of a procedure that treats irregular heart rhythms.

“I always remember the one in 2012. It was during the Monday Night game — Colin Kaepernick and the 49ers versus the Chicago Bears and Colin had a great night.”

Harbaugh said he would see his cardiologist on Monday.

After saying, “I could tell there were some irregular beats,” Harbaugh then joked, “I am medically qualified to talk about it.”

He then dropped in this comment — “2-0 with arrhythmias.”

Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter served as head coach while Harbaugh was away.

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert said he had no idea Harbaugh left the field or was experiencing a heart issue.

Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh, the older brother of Jim, was pulled from his postgame press conference due to the situation.

–Field Level Media

Oct 13, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) leaves the field in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Broncos CB Patrick Surtain II (concussion) exits vs. Chargers

Denver Broncos star cornerback Patrick Surtain II exited Sunday’s game against the visiting Los Angeles Chargers due to a concussion.

Surtain was injured on Denver’s first defensive snap as his head hit the ground hard after a Los Angeles incomplete pass.

Surtain put both hands to his head after the play and was attended to on the turf. He walked off the field with trainers and was examined in the medical tent before being taken the locker room.

Surtain was ruled out later in the first quarter.

The two-time Pro Bowl selection was the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts during a 34-18 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders last week. He had two interceptions and returned one 100 yards for a touchdown.

Surtain will have a hard time getting cleared to play for Denver’s next game, which is Thursday at the New Orleans Saints.

Surtain has nine interceptions — returning two for touchdowns — in 56 NFL games.

Meanwhile, Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh briefly left the game due to illness.

Harbaugh went into the blue medical tent shortly before kickoff. Then shortly after the game began, he departed to the locker room with trainers.

Harbaugh returned to the sideline midway through the first quarter.

Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter was the active coach while Harbaugh was away.

–Field Level Media

Sep 15, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid reacts to a no-call against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Chiefs chasing sixth straight win over Chargers as Jim Harbaugh enters picture

Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes are nemeses to many in the NFL based on the Chiefs’ track record of success approaching historic levels. Count the Chargers among the division rivals failing to live up to their end of the rivalry in recent years.

When they meet Sunday at Los Angeles, Kansas City (3-0) seeks a sixth consecutive win over the Chargers (2-1) as the home team introduces first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh to what has become a one-sided AFC West fight with Reid and Mahomes. Turning the tables won’t be easy.

“Multiple challenges,” Harbaugh said of facing the Chiefs before Los Angeles enters its bye week. “Really good run game, really good throwing game, explosive offense. I think everybody understands the challenge of playing a quarterback like Patrick Mahomes in every way. His ability to move the ball with his legs, with his arm, within the offense is elite.”

Modest statistical production to date is becoming a hot topic outside of the Chiefs’ locker room. Kansas City is 14th in the NFL in total offense (328 yards per game) and the usual lead receiver, perennial Pro Bowl tight end Travis Kelce, is off to an admittedly slow start with eight receptions for 69 yards and no touchdowns in three games.

He’s one reception from tying Tony Gonzalez for the franchise record with 916 catches, and Kelce’s next TD catch from Mahomes would break a tie on the NFL’s all-time list with Drew Brees and Jimmy Graham of the Saints for third-most QB-TE touchdown connections. But Reid said the narrative of Kelce being “old” or “distracted” is false.

“Defenses don’t think that,” Reid said. “We have another receiver who plays opposite him that has a lot of yards and catches. That’s how this thing goes. Travis is fine. He’s being Trav. He works his tail off. He hasn’t lost a step and all those things. He’s not distracted. People are making sure they have him taking care of, these defenses.”

Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is working through an ankle injury while starring as Mahomes’ featured target in September with an NFL-high 24 receptions for 288 yards and two touchdowns. Mahomes has completed 69.6 percent of his passes for 659 yards, five touchdowns and four interceptions through three games.

The Chargers present a hefty challenge with a defense ranked in the top 10 in scoring defense (11 points per game, third), yards per game (267, sixth), run defense (91.7 per game, sixth) and pass defense (175.3 per game, 10th).

“It’s a physical football team, both sides of the ball,” said Reid, who has a record of 17-5 against the Chargers since taking over the Chiefs in 2013. “You’ve got to be ready for a complete game. Their defenses are going to give you a variety of looks. One of the top defenses in the NFL right now.”

Mahomes will look across the line at a defense with a few missing pieces. Pass rusher Joey Bosa (hip) and linebacker Junior Colson (hamstring) sat out Wednesday’s practice. Safety Derwin James Jr. was suspended for Week 4 after being penalized for unnecessary roughness at Pittsburgh.

Elijah Molden or A.J. Finley will get the start — along with Alohi Gilman — at safety against the Chiefs.

“He genuinely cares and does not want to hurt anybody,” Harbaugh said of James’ one-game ban from the NFL. “He wants to do it the way the league wants it done and the evidence is there.

“It will be next man-up mentality.”

The Chargers outscored the Raiders and host Panthers 48-13 before dropping their first game this season 20-10 to the host Steelers in Week 3.

Harbaugh spent last week crossing his fingers that Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert could answer the call to start at Pittsburgh. Herbert spent two days after the Week 2 win over Carolina in a walking boot to stabilize an ankle injury and did very light work on the field in practice leading up game day, but did play in the loss to the Steelers.

With offensive tackles Rashawn Slater (pectoral) and Joe Alt (knee) missing practice, the Chargers’ offense has injury concerns again.

But Herbert said on Wednesday he is well ahead of where he was physically last week, when his right ankle forced him to walk gingerly and avoid contact. He was limited in practice and the decision about playing against Mahomes and the Chiefs will not be entirely his to make on Sunday.

“It’s progressing,” Herbert said. “it was just really painful during the game with the buildup from the hits and the toll on it.”

Harbaugh knows the Chiefs have owned the recent series with the Chargers, building a stockpile of AFC West division titles that stands at eight in a row. With Sunday’s game on their home turf, the Chargers are hearing a lot about the importance of meeting the challenge the conference bully and two-time defending Super Bowll champion presents.

“In terms of opportunity, it’s how it feels,” Harbaugh said. “And we’re attacking it as such.”

The Chiefs return to Kansas City for their third primetime game of the season to face the Saints (2-1) on “Monday Night Football” in Week 5 before a bye week.

–Field Level Media

Feb 1, 2024; Inglewood, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh speaks at an introductory press conference at YouTube Theater at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Peers welcome Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh back to NFL

INDIANAPOLIS — There was no sign of Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh in and around Lucas Oil Stadium as the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine kicked off Tuesday, but the welcome committee was ready to celebrate his return.

“He’s gonna do great,” Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said Tuesday at a podium session his brother declined. “We’ve been together the last couple days. He’s fired up, enthusiastic, talking to players, he knows a lot of these guys. It’s been fun.”

Jim Harbaugh is operating in a dual capacity in a sense this week with a record 18 prospects representing national champion Michigan at the combine. Harbaugh left Ann Arbor in January to become head coach of the Chargers, marking his return to the NFL.

As a housewarming gift of sorts, the Ravens didn’t block personnel director Joe Horitz from interviewing with the Chargers, clearing the way for Horitz to leave one Harbaugh for another.

“I don’t know how you can be in a room with Jim and feel rubbed the wrong way. He cares, he’s a great person and he’s competitive. He wants to win ball games,” Horitz said Tuesday. “It’s all about getting better and being the best. I don’t know. I love him. It’s been a blast. I’m talking about the enthusiasm that he has brought to the building. Every day, I come in in the morning, coming into his office, you feel his energy. Our players feel it, our coaching staff feels it. When he walks into the draft room when we’re in meetings, the scouts feel it. It’s exciting, it certainly is.”

Horitz and the rest of the NFL are chasing AFC West bully Kansas City. But for now, Horitz has his hands full balancing the books in Los Angeles.

Individual cap hits of more than $20 million create uncertainty around pass rushers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack and wide receiver Keenan Allen. Running back Austin Ekeler is a free agent and wide receiver Mike Williams could be a candidate for a renegotiated deal or be moved.

“Certainly, we’re going to be taking a draft-centric approach. I believe in that,” Horitz said. “But, free agency, June free agency, signings right before August, turning the roster during the season. The roster should never be where you want it. … In terms of the cap, I’m confident we can get there because you have to get there (under the NFL-enforced spending limit). I have no choice but to get under the cap, so I can promise you that we’re going to do that.”

The Chargers have the No. 5 pick in the draft, the highest pick the franchise has had since selecting Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert at No. 6 in 2020.

When Horitz makes the draft selection in April, it will be his first as the primary decision-maker in the personnel department. He’s been in a seat alongside Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta since 1998, when Horitz began a scouting apprenticeship under Ozzie Newsome.

DeCosta will notice the change with Horitz calling the shots for the Bolts.

“Joe is just one of my best friends,” he said Tuesday. “I think Joe started in 1998, and I was an office guy and a young scout and took Joe under my wing, and we did a lot of stuff together. Our kids went to school together; he was my pickleball partner; sat next to me during the draft; helped me over the years, run the meetings and assess talent. Joe has got a great eye for talent. He’ll do an amazing job as an evaluator for the Chargers. He’s got good opinions, he’s a consensus builder. The scouts are going to love him. The coaches are going to love working with him, and he’s going to do a fantastic job.”

–Field Level Media

Jim Harbaugh looks on during the Michigan Wolverines' national championship celebration at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Jan. 13, 2024.

Chargers introduce Jim Harbaugh, who wants ‘multiple’ titles

Jim Harbaugh approached the lectern, thanked the Los Angeles Chargers for another opportunity to coach in the NFL, made a “Shawshank Redemption” reference and proclaimed his goal is to win “multiple” Super Bowls.

The former Michigan coach’s force of personality and colorful analogies were on display as he was officially introduced as the new head coach of the Chargers on Thursday in Inglewood, Calif.

“We’re in one of the great cities there is. One thing I know is Los Angeles, Southern California, they respect talent, effort and winning,” Harbaugh said. “And it needs to be multiple, multiple championships. And we’re gonna be humble and hungry, but that’s our goal.”

Harbaugh’s introduction lasted more than an hour. Before Harbaugh held court with reporters, Chargers owner and chairman Dean Spanos introduced the 60-year-old and told him that the franchise “will do everything in our power to provide you with whatever support and tools you need to be successful.”

The Chargers have gone 36-47 with one playoff appearance in the past five seasons, but they have a franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert for Harbaugh to build around.

Harbaugh, who went on to bring up his love for the sports comedy series “Ted Lasso,” said his excitement about moving to the Chargers was reminiscent of a certain classic film.

“If I could describe it to you, it’d be like Morgan Freeman in ‘Shawshank Redemption.’ … What a free man would feel before a long journey,” Harbaugh said.

Harbaugh’s departure from his alma mater, weeks after guiding Michigan to a national championship, may not exactly be a prison escape — although there was the possibility he would face additional discipline for alleged recruiting violations during the COVID dead period or a sign-stealing scandal.

The former San Francisco 49ers coach was asked why he left college now, and why he chose the Chargers.

“I felt that the Spanos family, the Chargers organization, they made it feel they liked what I did and how I did it,” Harbaugh said. “That’s all you could ever want from somebody that’s employing you. Love of Michigan, but loved the NFL and this opportunity.

“As my dad would say, who’s got it better than us?”

Harbaugh has made a winner out of every team he’s coached. FCS San Diego went 29-6 during Harbaugh’s three seasons (2004-06) before his four-year tenure at Stanford (2007-10) ended with a 12-1 season and an Orange Bowl victory.

With the 49ers, he went 44-19-1 in four seasons and lost Super Bowl XLVII to his brother John Harbaugh and the Baltimore Ravens before a nine-year, 89-25 tenure at Michigan.

Only three head coaches have won both a college national championship and a Super Bowl: Jimmy Johnson, Barry Switzer and Pete Carroll, Harbaugh’s now-retired nemesis in the Pac-12 and the NFC West.

“I want another shot to be simply known as world champions,” Harbaugh said. “The Lombardi Trophy. That’s my mission. Happy and grateful to have this opportunity and already attacking, already a lot of work getting done.”

Harbaugh played the final two seasons of his 14-year NFL playing career with the then-San Diego Chargers in 1999-2000.

–Field Level Media

Jan 8, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid reacts after the game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Ravens’ John Harbaugh hungry to break Andy Reid’s hex on assistants

John Harbaugh is 1-4 against Kansas City since his former boss, Andy Reid, became head coach of the Chiefs.

Sunday afternoon is another chance for the pupil to get the better of his teacher, and with the AFC Championship on the line.

Harbaugh has been the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens since 2008. He was hired away from Reid’s coaching staff in Philadelphia, where he served as special teams coach and secondary coach of the Eagles.

“I think it’s pretty cool. I look back to those years and you think about all the great coaches that were on the staff that Andy assembled and mentored, taught us all so much,” Harbaugh said. “We were a close group of guys. A staff that loved each other.”

The final coaching staff Harbaugh was part of with the Eagles included current Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and current Kansas City special teams coach Dave Toub as well as former Commanders head coach Ron Rivera, former Vikings coach Brad Childress and former Browns and Giants head coach Pat Shurmur.

Harbaugh was not hired, but inherited, by Reid with the Eagles and retained him from predecessor Ray Rhodes’ coaching staff. Before Reid was fired in Philadelphia, he was 1-1 against Harbaugh and the Ravens.

But wins and losses aren’t what Harbaugh said he’ll ultimately take away from his competitions with Reid. He’ll always associate the affable coach with winning and an uncommon level of grace and humanity for the coaching business.

“One of the things — I tell this story a lot — one of the things with Andy,” Harbaugh recalled this week. “He had this 3×5 card behind his desk on his bulletin board. It said, ‘Don’t judge.’ I got the nerve to ask him about it one time, and he just basically (told us) it was a Biblical principle. Take people where they’re at. Assume the best. Try to communicate with everybody on equal terms. I’ve never forgotten that.”

This is the first time the coaches have met in a playoff game. For Reid, it’s his sixth consecutive trip to the conference championship with the Chiefs. Harbaugh is appearing in his fourth.

In five previous playoff games against former assistants, Reid is 5-0. He beat Buffalo’s Sean McDermott for the third time last week and has wins over Childress (Vikings, 2008) and Doug Pederson (Jaguars, last season).

“He knows the whole game,” Reid said of Harbaugh. “He was a great special teams coach, a great secondary coach and he’s been a great head coach. Very proud of him and all he’s done and accomplished.”

–Field Level Media

Outgoing head coach Jim Harbaugh endorsed offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore, right, as the next coach of the Wolverines.

Michigan focused on Sherrone Moore as next coach

Even before he left to take over the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday, Jim Harbaugh had been touting his prospective replacement at Michigan.

Harbaugh said in the lead-up to the national championship game this month that offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore was ready to be a head coach, considering him “proven” based on a 4-0 record as interim coach that included wins at Penn State and over Ohio State during Harbaugh’s multiple 2023 suspensions.

Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel vowed to do everything in his power to keep Harbaugh in Ann Arbor. Per reports, Manuel and Michigan offered a $125 million contract that would have made Harbaugh the highest-paid coach in college football. But it wasn’t enough to prevent him from returning to the NFL.

Now that Harbaugh’s exit is official, Manuel said Michigan is moving quickly to replace him with a goal of keeping the coaching staff and defending national championship roster together, and Moore is Harbaugh’s likely successor. NCAA rules permit a 30-day window for players to enter the transfer portal even though the new semester has started.

According to reports, that includes a waiver application to bypass a state law mandating university positions be posted for all applicants to review for seven business days. Manuel likely can make the case for waiver approval under the requirement Michigan has a legitimate position that “business needs of the unit outweigh the University’s intent to provide notice of employment opportunities to the University community and others through the posting process.”

As of Thursday morning, the job had not been publicly posted.

Harbaugh reportedly is planning to hire Michigan defensive coordinator Jesse Minter to run the Chargers’ defense.

“We have been in talks with Jim Harbaugh for the last several weeks and have tried our best to retain him as our football coach,” Michigan president Santa Ono said in a statement. “Jim called me today and let me know that he has made the difficult decision to leave Michigan and join the Los Angeles Chargers in pursuit of his NFL dreams.

“For the fans, the players, and for me personally, we are sad to hear of Jim’s departure. His drive and ambition turned our program around, delivered our first national championship in a quarter century and maintained Michigan as the all-time winningest team in the history of college football.

“I thank Jim for all he has done for the University of Michigan and respect his decision. He has been an extraordinary leader and a friend. I will be cheering for Jim as he embarks on this next adventure.”

Michigan went 15-0, beating Washington in the College Football Playoff national championship two weeks ago to cap a bizarre and scandalous season during which Harbaugh served two suspensions for separate rules violations. He went 86-25 as Michigan’s head coach.

Moore, who turns 38 next week, has never been a head coach at any level. He played guard at Oklahoma during Bob Stoops’ heyday, and said prior to the Rose Bowl he appreciated the opportunity to get a feel for calling the shots on the Michigan sideline.

“The biggest difference is that when you’re the head coach you got to talk with the reps a lot, and that communication can be positive, can be a little negative,” Moore said in Pasadena, Calif. “But I try to manage that as best as possible — making the decisions on the fly in those situations, as a coordinator, especially going for it on fourth down, when you have a head coach there you’re counting on him.

“When you’re the head coach you kind of make that call yourself. But me and (Harbaugh), we have the same mindset of how we would call it, how we would do it in those situations. Those are the biggest differences going from just a coordinator to the head coach.”

Moore arrived at Michigan in 2018 and became co-offensive coordinator in 2020. While not what many in the fanbase would call a “Michigan Man,” Moore said before the national title game that he was more than content in Ann Arbor and not chasing a head-coaching position, citing loyalty to the Wolverines.

“Most coaches at some point in their life want to do that,” Moore said. “When the time comes, the time comes, but I’m in no rush to leave this place, this great university, these students and Coach Harbaugh.”

–Field Level Media