Tag: Jim Harbaugh

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

Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh to wear monitor after heart episode

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters Monday that he will wear a heart monitor for the next two weeks after he briefly left Sunday’s game in Denver with an irregular heartbeat.

Harbaugh will also take a blood thinner during that time after meeting with a cardiologist on Monday. He said doctors did not recommend a procedure for now and added that he will follow their orders as he continues to coach.

“I’m pretty confident on this one that I know what it is and how to deal with it,” Harbaugh said. “But as always, we’ll address the doctors and they’ll tell me what to do.”

Harbaugh missed the early minutes of Sunday’s game after experiencing atrial flutter, which is a type of arrhythmia that can cause the heart to beat up to 350 times per minute.

The first-year coach entered the Chargers’ medical tent shortly before kickoff and then went to the locker room to be treated by paramedics. He returned in the first quarter and coached the rest of Los Angeles’ 23-16 win.

Harbaugh, 60, said he experienced a similar heart issue while coaching a 2012 game for the San Francisco 49ers. That same year, he underwent an ablation, a procedure that uses heat or cold energy to eliminate tissue that causes the irregular heartbeat. He previously had an ablation in 1999, ESPN reported.

Denver’s high altitude reduces oxygen levels in the blood and puts more strain on the heart, but Harbaugh said he began feeling off even before the Chargers left for Denver.

Harbaugh said he could undergo a heart procedure in the future, but for now, he has no plans to step away from the team.

“It would take my heart stopping for me not to be out there on the sideline,” he said.

Los Angeles (3-2) visits the Arizona Cardinals (2-4) in Week 7 on “Monday Night Football.”

–Field Level Media

Aug 17, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) during the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Chargers’ Justin Herbert praised for poise shown in stuck elevator

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Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh praised Justin Herbert after his star quarterback was among players and members of the team’s traveling party who were stuck in an elevator for two hours at the team hotel in Dallas on Friday.

Per Harbaugh, Herbert was among “11 or 12 of our players” on the elevator at The Westin Dallas Downtown on Friday, one day before the Chargers visited the Cowboys in the teams’ preseason finale.

“Justin Herbert, his hair was a little wet, but his shirt was completely dry,” Harbaugh said following the Chargers’ 26-19 win over the Cowboys. “That was another thing that blew me away. The guy is just a beast.

“The remarkable things that came out of it was, to a guy, young rookie players, Justin Herbert’s a leader. He was a rock. Kept everybody calm.’Jeri Fouts (wife of Pro Football Hall of Fame member Dan Fouts) told me the same thing, pulled me aside after they got out, just how great Justin was. And everybody kept their poise.”

Dallas Fire-Rescue was summoned after the elevator was stuck in a “blind shaft” between the third and 15th floors of the hotel.

“Without the Dallas fire department, could have been a lot worse,” Harbaugh said. “Could have been a lot more hours. Who knows how it would have ended.”

Herbert, 26, did not play Saturday. The Pro Bowl quarterback assuredly will be on the field on Sept. 8 when the Chargers open their season against the Las Vegas Raiders in Inglewood, Calif.

–Field Level Media

Oct 12, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Rashawn Slater (70) lines up against the Kansas City Chiefs during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Chargers to pick up fifth-year option of LT Rashawn Slater

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The Los Angeles Chargers are picking up the fifth-year option on left tackle Rashawn Slater, ESPN reported Saturday.

Slater was the No. 13 overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Chargers, who used the No. 5 overall pick on Notre Dame left tackle Joe Alt in this year’s draft on Thursday.

Alt is expected to move to right tackle.

Since his hiring this offseason, Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh has emphasized the need to protect franchise quarterback Justin Herbert.

“First of all, the quarterback that we have, protect him, protect his environment on the field,” Harbaugh said Feb. 1 at his introductory news conference. “Protect him. Also, beef up the run game.”

Slater will play the final season of his four-year, $16.63 million rookie deal in 2024, and he is slated to earn $19 million next season. If he doesn’t sign a contract extension, Slater could become an unrestricted free agent in 2026.

–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

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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

Aug 12, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers helmets on the bench at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Chargers add former All-Pro NaVorro Bowman as LB coach

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New Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh is adding one of his former players, NaVorro Bowman, as the team’s linebackers coach, ESPN reported Saturday.

Bowman played for Harbaugh with the San Francisco 49ers from 2011-13 and was a first-team All-Pro all three seasons. He missed Harbaugh’s final season in 2014 due to knee injuries.

Now 35, Bowman joined the 49ers in 2010 as a third-round draft pick and played 89 games in San Francisco, plus 10 with the then-Oakland Raiders, before retiring following the 2017 season.

Bowman was a defensive analyst at Maryland in 2023, his first coaching job.

–Field Level Media

Oct 9, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman runs on the field before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Jim Harbaugh adding Greg Roman to Chargers staff

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Longtime offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who worked with Jim Harbaugh at two previous stops, is reuniting with the Los Angeles Chargers’ new head coach, per an NFL Media report Sunday.

Per the report, Roman is heading to Los Angeles on Monday to meet with the Chargers and iron out the details of his hiring.

Roman, 51, was an associate head coach under Harbaugh at Stanford (2009-10), then served as the 49ers’ OC when Harbaugh took San Francisco’s head coaching position (2011-14). That stint included a Super Bowl appearance in the 2012 season, a loss to Harbaugh’s brother John and the Baltimore Ravens.

Following two seasons as OC for the Buffalo Bills (2015-16), Roman joined head coach John Harbaugh’s Ravens staff in 2017 and was named OC in 2019. Roman, who helped quarterback Lamar Jackson win his first NFL MVP award, remained with Baltimore through the 2022 season in his second stint with the team.

Roman began his NFL coaching career with the Carolina Panthers (1995-2001) and also worked on the Houston Texans’ staff (2002-05).

–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

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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

Jim Harbaugh is leaving Michigan to become head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers.

Report: Chargers paying Jim Harbaugh $16M per year

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The Los Angeles Chargers are paying new coach Jim Harbaugh a salary of $16 million per season, Pro Football Talk reported.

Previous reports said the former Michigan coach agreed to a five-year deal last week, putting the total value at $80 million if it is fully guaranteed.

If the report is accurate, Harbaugh would be the second highest-paid coach in the NFL behind only Sean Payton of the Denver Broncos at a reported $18 million per season. Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams ranks third at a reported $14 million.

Harbaugh’s brother, Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh, reportedly earned a salary of $12 million in 2023.

Jim Harbaugh, 60, returns to the NFL after leading the Wolverines to a national championship. He was 44-19-1 over four seasons as the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers from 2011-14, leading them to the Super Bowl following the 2012 season.

The Chargers, who finished 5-12 this season, fired head coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco in December after a 63-21 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Staley spent three seasons with Los Angeles, finishing with a 24-24 mark.

–Field Level Media

Nov 25, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines interim head coach Sherrone Moore talks on the sideline during the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Michigan Stadium. Ohio State lost 30-24.

Sherrone Moore takes over at Michigan: ‘This place is special’

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New Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore said he doesn’t plan to tinker much with success.

Moore was formally introduced Saturday as the successor to Jim Harbaugh, who led the Wolverines to the College Football Playoff title before returning to the NFL this week as the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers. And Moore said he doesn’t plan to differ much from the philosophy Harbaugh and his staff laid out for the team.

“I want the players to be as comfortable as possible as we move forward,” Moore said.

Michigan announced the hiring of Moore, who served as Harbaugh’s offensive coordinator and offensive line coach, on Friday night. He was given a five-year deal at $6 million a year with incentives that could add millions more, the Detroit Free Press reported.

Moore was in charge of the team for four games while Harbaugh served suspensions in 2023 and the Wolverines were 4-0 under his leadership.

This is the first full-time head coach job for Moore, who turns 38 on Feb. 3. He said those four games gave him a sample of what he will face in his new job and is counting on the Michigan staff to help him. He said he wants to keep as many members of Harbaugh’s staff as he can.

He said an equal priority is reaching out to the players, both currently on the roster and those intending to play at Michigan, to let them know that they come first.

“I coach hard, but I love harder,” Moore said. “At the end of the day, they know that I’m going to do everything in the best interest for them and this team.”

Moore is taking over a historic program coming off a 15-0, national championship season. It could be a daunting task, but Moore said he is ready.

“I’ve grown tremendously in every phase, from a leadership standpoint, a delegation standpoint, a football standpoint, personal, recruiting,” said Moore, who joined Harbaugh’s staff in 2018 as tight ends coach and later was promoted to offensive coordinator.

And while not a Michigan alum like Harbaugh, Moore clearly has the maize and blue in his blood now.

“The love for Michigan is undeniable and really indescribable for me. This place is special. When you come here and you feel it, it’s a lot different. It’s something I don’t ever want to let go,” he said.

Though he wasn’t in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Harbaugh remained a topic of discussion, with both Moore and athletic director Warde Manuel paying tribute to the former coach.

Moore said he’d lean on Harbaugh for advice, and Manuel said he always will be part of the Wolvcerines.

“I want to thank Jim for his nine years of service and contributions to Michigan football and our greatness. He we always be remembered by us,” Manuel said, adding he’d be cheering for the Chargers.

“If the timing is right, Sherrone and I would like him to come back as a captain of game this year, if the byes work out, and as (Moore) says, take a long and slow bow in front of all the fans.”

Moore will face a difficult schedule in his first season. The Wolverines open Aug. 31 against Fresno State, then face Texas on Sept. 7 before beginning play in the revamped Big Ten. They have Southern California, Oregon and Washington — the team the Wolverines beat in the CFP title game — on the schedule, which ends Nov. 30 with their rivalry game at Ohio State.

–Field Level Media

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh celebrates during the trophy presentation after the 34-13 win over Washington at the national championship game at NRG Stadium in Houston on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024.

Report: Chargers in ‘striking distance’ with Jim Harbaugh

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The Los Angeles Chargers are within “striking distance” of a deal to make Jim Harbaugh their new head coach, NFL Network reported Tuesday.

Harbaugh, fresh off a national championship at Michigan, is meeting with the Chargers for a second time Tuesday. He also has interviewed with the Atlanta Falcons.

The Chargers completed their first meeting with Harbaugh on Jan. 15. The former San Diego Chargers quarterback met with the Spanos family, who owns the team, at that time.

Harbaugh guided the Wolverines (15-0) to the College Football Playoff national championship in a 34-13 win over Washington earlier this month.

Harbaugh, 60, has a record of 89-25 at his alma mater Michigan and made three consecutive CFP appearances. He also coached at the University of San Diego (2004-06) and has a 118-46 record as an FBS head coach at Stanford (2007-10) and Michigan (2015-present).

Harbaugh went 44-19-1 as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers from 2011-14, including the 2012 NFC championship title and a loss to the Ravens and his older brother, Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh, in Super Bowl XLVII. Jim Harbaugh played in the league from 1987-2000 for four teams, including his final two seasons for the Chargers.

The Chargers fired head coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco on Dec. 15. They finished 5-12, including 0-3 under interim coach Giff Smith.

Other big-name coaches have been linked to the vacancy, including former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel and former Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll.

–Field Level Media