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Los Angeles Chargers’ Jim Harbaugh Makes First Big Move

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics
By Christian Alamodin | Last updated 1/31/24

For the Los Angeles Chargers, getting a capable general manager who can provide the proper support for the head coach is essential. The two are essential in building the team through drafts, free agents, and trades.

Jim Harbaugh fully understands this and made one of his first moves in the NFL by stealing one of his brother’s closest associates to work for him.

Ravens’ Joe Horitz joins the Los Angeles Chargers as GM

Jim Harbaugh used the lure of a new regime at the Los Angeles Chargers to lure Joe Horitz from the Baltimore Ravens, the team led by his brother John.

The Mirror’s Joshua Mbu wrote about Horitz’s experience in the Ravens organization:

Hortiz is joining the Chargers as their general manager after spending 26 years with the Ravens. He worked his way up from a low-level scout to director of player personnel, working alongside Jim’s brother John for the last 16 years.

Horitz has an eye for talent and is a key man in putting together the Ravens team that recently missed out on a Super Bowl LVIII appearance. His experience in putting together squads with the Ravens will help the Chargers finally have a fighting chance against the Kansas City Chiefs and stand atop the fiercely competitive AFC West.

Jim Harbaugh wants to win a Lombardi

It’s clear to many football fans that Jim Harbaugh has an elite football mind. However, a Super Bowl title is the one thing that’s lacking from his impressive coaching CV.

Mbu wrote about Harbaugh’s desire to win it all in the pros:

Harbaugh also expressed his certainty about returning to professional football coaching. “I love Michigan, but I love the NFL, too,” he said. “There’s no Lombardi Trophy in college football.”\

“I got so many sands left in the hourglass and I want to take a crack at that. There’s nowhere better to do it than with the Los Angeles Chargers. Susie Spanos, Dean Spanos, Ed McGuire, John Spanos and this great quarterback.”

Harbaugh emphasised that the team will need to put in a lot of effort and make significant sacrifices to achieve their Super Bowl goal. “We work together. We win together. It’s worth it,” he added.

Harbaugh got his work cut out for him in Los Angeles. The team finished with a 5-12 record and was a mess defensively. Justin Herbert was the brightest spot in an offense that needed a lot of help.

However, Harbaugh has the ability and experience to take the Chargers to the Super Bowl. Should they perform well in the offseason, it won’t be surprising to see the team headline the next Super Bowl as favorites.