The Los Angeles Chargers are targeting former 49ers All-Pro, NaVorro Bowman as their next linebacker coach. Chargers head coach, Jim Harbaugh could be reuniting with a familiar he coached in San Francisco to join his staff. The deal hasn’t been done yet, but both sides are expected to shake hands soon. Bowman spent the last season as a defensive analyst at the University of Maryland.
He was a third-round pick for San Francisco in 2010, racking up 671 tackles, 12.5 sacks and nine forced fumbles in 89 career games played. Bowman was named All-Pro four times and made three Pro Bowls, too. It seems like Harbaugh is bringing all the pieces of the puzzle that he’s familiar with. First, he adds Jesse Minter as the defensive coordinator from his old university that he coached.
Now he’s adding Bowman to his staff after spending four playing seasons under Harbaugh, especially during a Super Bowl run in 2012. In that Super Bowl loss, Bowman recorded nine combined tackles, two tackles for loss and two quarterback hits. His playing days are over and he’s ready to take on a new task under his staff. San Francisco released Bowman in 2017, but he tried to revive his career with the Raiders.
Bowman later retired in 2019 where he only played 10 games with the Raiders. The coaching seems like it’s shaping up, they are also bringing in Harbaugh’s former 49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman. It’s like a whole family tree being constructed and the future looks bright for Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Chargers Targeting NaVorro Bowman as Linebacker Coach
He Could Bring That Old-School Mentality
A Los Angeles team that looked like they were shaping to look like a college team after hiring Minter is not the case. Harbaugh understands Bowman and the mentality that he could bring to coach the young linebacker corps. Bowman did spend a back in college to learn, but now he’s receiving a call back to the pros. If it goes well, then there shouldn’t be a surprise if Harbaugh promotes Bowman to defensive coordinator.
The fact that Harbaugh called up Bowman after one year, shows the potential he can bring with his philosophy to the team. The stats speak for themselves, but it’s not all about that. It’s about the contribution he made during his time as a player in San Francisco. Harbaugh saw that and his growth throughout his playing days, so he’s bringing him in to coach the young guys.
The close ties and partnership that Harbaugh and Bowman share could bring something unique to the Chargers defense. It’ll be interesting to see how far he could go with his coaching mentality and if it does pay off. It did pay off for veteran 49ers linebacker, DeMeco Ryans who’s the head coach of the Texans. Ryans was close to winning Coach of the Year at the NFL Honors this year.
What the Chargers Are Getting From Bowman
Well, it’s obvious they’re getting a coach who has experience in playing the linebacker position itself. But, they’re getting someone who’s ready to take his first NFL coaching job seriously. The same way that Bowman produced on the field while being a 49er could replicate what he could teach. Bowman and Harbaugh are now on the quest for a Bowl, which they were close to in 2012.
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