Weeks after leading the Michigan football team to a National Championship, Jim Harbaugh took the Los Angeles Chargers’ head coach job.
The change of scenery back into the NFL is one that Harbaugh had long shown interest in getting back to after years roaming the sidelines with Michigan.
Harbaugh voiced that he has spoken to several of the team’s top players, including quarterback Justin Herbert, who left him a “little starstruck.”
The Chargers hoping the pairing between the two can lead to sustained success after a largely failed stint for Brandon Staley, who finished with a .500 coaching record along with a crushing playoff loss.
Despite the uphill battle ahead, Harbaugh expressed excitement about the challenge of rebounding from a disappointing 5-12 season.
“We work together. We win together. It’s worth it,” Harbaugh said via ESPN.”The hard work, the sacrifice, the pressure, all of it, why would somebody put themselves through that? Because the rewards are so darn good.”
The Chargers are projected to be $54.2 million over the salary cap next season. That alone means Los Angeles will have to operate with primarily the same roster to guide their way back toward playoff contention.
Herbert’s play will be among the key factors as he’s struggled with his production over the last two seasons.
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He’s put together back-to-back campaigns with 25 or fewer touchdown passes. Herbert missed the last four games due to a season-ending thumb injury.
If the Chargers hope to get back on track, it will start with Herbert leading the way.
