Jim Harbaugh has been linked to the Chargers on several occasions, and signs continue to point him to Los Angeles. The parties will meet for a second interview this week, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports.
The longtime Michigan coach has appeared to be on the verge of an NFL return in each of the past three years. 2024 has seen him linked to several openings, but with the Raiders having promoted Antonio Pierce to their full-time gig, the Chargers remain a logical destination. A report from the weekend confirmed Los Angeles is in pole position to acquire Harbaugh.
The 60-year-old led the Wolverines to an undefeated season and a national title this season. 2024 would thus mark a reasonable time for Harbaugh to return to the pro game, and he is believed to have serious interest in the Chargers’ posting. The outcome of the impending interview will thus be worth watching closely.
Harbaugh’s first 2024 interview took place with the Chargers, and the meeting took place in person. It also spanned two days, a sign of the mutual interest which appears to exist between the parties.
Harbaugh has been a top target for other teams as well, however, and he has spoken with the Falcons. Los Angeles may need to move quickly if the team is committed to Harbaugh as the top target.
Michigan is seeking to keep him in the fold, and talks on another contract extension are ongoing. Notably, though, Harbaugh is seeking (among other things) a delay in the time at which his latest extension kicks in.
That would lengthen the window during which NFL suitors would be required to pay a smaller buyout fee to hire him, another sign that a pro contract could be forthcoming. Armed with significant leverage in talks with any interested team, Harbaugh recently hired an agent to assist with negotiations.
With Harbaugh still firmly in the running to land the Chargers gig, here is an updated look at Los Angeles’ ongoing search:
- Bill Belichick, former head coach (Patriots): Rumored candidate
- Brian Callahan, offensive coordinator (Bengals): Interviewed 1/16
- Leslie Frazier, former defensive coordinator (Bills): Interviewed 1/14
- Aaron Glenn, defensive coordinator (Lions): Interviewed 1/20
- Patrick Graham, defensive coordinator (Raiders): Interviewed 1/11
- Jim Harbaugh, head coach (Michigan): To conduct a second interview; team viewed as the frontrunner?
- Ben Johnson, offensive coordinator (Lions): Interviewed 1/20; mutual interest?
- Mike Macdonald, defensive coordinator (Ravens): Interviewed 1/13
- Todd Monken, offensive coordinator (Ravens): Interviewed 1/12
- Raheem Morris, defensive coordinator (Rams): Interviewed 1/20
- Kellen Moore, offensive coordinator (Chargers): Interviewed 1/9
- Dan Quinn, defensive coordinator (Cowboys): Interviewed 1/19
- David Shaw, former head coach (Stanford): Interviewed 1/18
- Giff Smith, interim head coach (Chargers): Interviewed 1/9
- Mike Vrabel, former head coach (Titans): Interviewed 1/18
- Steve Wilks, defensive coordinator (49ers): Interviewed 1/13
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