Chargers hire Harbaugh as new coach
The Los Angeles Chargers hired Jim Harbaugh as their next head coach, the team announced Wednesday.
Harbaugh agreed to terms on a five-year contract, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
"Jim Harbaugh is football personified, and I can think of no one better to lead the Chargers forward," team owner Dean Spanos said in a statement.
The 60-year-old led Michigan, his alma mater, to a CFP National Championship earlier in January. Harbaugh spent nine seasons at the helm of the Wolverines.
"Being back here feels like home, and it's great to see that those things haven't changed," Harbaugh said about rejoining the Chargers after playing for the franchise in 1999 and 2000.
Harbaugh previously served as the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers from 2011 to 2014. He led the NFC West franchise to a 44-19-1 record as well as three consecutive NFC Championship Game appearances (2011-13). The Niners made it to Super Bowl XLVII but fell short to the Baltimore Ravens and Harbaugh's brother, John.
Harbaugh was among 15 candidates who spoke with the Chargers about their coaching vacancy.
The longtime coach posted an 89-25 record during his tenure with Michigan. Over the past three seasons, the Wolverines established a 40-3 mark while qualifying for the CFP in each campaign.
"We have been discussing a new contract that would make Jim the highest-paid coach in college football," Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said. "We can't thank Jim enough for all that he has done for our student-athletes, staff and Michigan Football.
Harbaugh's return to the NFL has been in the works over the past few years. He previously interviewed with the Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos, respectively, in each of the past two offseasons.
Harbaugh will make his return to the West Coast after initially beginning his coaching career in 2004 at the University of San Diego. He also served as Stanford's coach from 2007 to 2010.
Harbaugh was suspended twice during Michigan's 2023 campaign because of alleged recruiting violations and a sign-stealing scandal. He could be subject to further punishment as the NCAA continues to conduct its investigations into both allegations.
The Chargers are trusting Harbaugh to help reverse the franchise's fortunes after the team parted ways with coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco on Dec. 15. L.A. concluded its 2023 campaign with a 5-12 record.
Harbaugh will be tasked with helping Justin Herbert elevate the club to prominence in a contentious AFC West.
L.A. has continued to interview prospective executives to fill its vacant general manager position. New York Giants executive Brandon Brown met with Chargers officials for a second interview earlier Wednesday, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports.
Meanwhile, Wolverines offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore is the favorite to replace Harbaugh at Michigan, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel.