Report: Jim Harbaugh, Chargers to host JJ McCarthy, Vikings on Week 8’s Thursday Night Football

Not many college coaches and quarterbacks have had a bond in recent years like Jim Harbaugh and JJ McCarthy. The two won a ton together at Michigan, including a national championship. So going their separate ways in the NFL always meant a fun reunion would pop up on the schedule eventually.

This is the season, with the Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Chargers set to battle. According to FOX’s Jordan Schultz, Week 8 is when the matchup will take place, and in primetime too. Amazon’s Thursday Night Football will have the broadcast.

“Sources: Jim Harbaugh and J.J. McCarthy will face off as NFL opponents for the first time in Week 8 on Thursday Night Football, when the #Vikings travel to Los Angeles to take on the #Chargers,” Schultz said via X.

McCarthy took in his entire rookie season from the sidelines due to an injury. Minnesota rolled with Sam Darnold as their starting quarterback, earning a spot in the playoffs. But the Vikings decided to move forward with their first-round pick, letting Darnold leave in free agency.

All quarterback eggs are now being pushed into McCarthy’s basket. There is a reason he was picked with the No. 9 overall pick during the 2024 NFL Draft. Getting him back to full health has been top priority but Minnesota is ready to see him out on the field.

Harbaugh made his way back to the NFL after a decade hiatus in the college game. Los Angeles brought him in to contend right away and record-wise, the results were good. The Chargers finished with an 11-6 record and earned a spot in the AFC Wild Card Round. Unfortunately, Houston was able to advance into the Divisional Round.

Two playoff teams from a year ago meeting up would bring plenty of interesting storylines. But Amazon reportedly having the reunion of McCarthy and Harbaugh brings extra juice. The two are incredibly close to one another, even to do this.

“A beloved son, JJ,” Harbaugh said recently on The Rich Eisen Show. “That’s one, yeah, it’ll be nostalgic now, but I know once we gotta … I’m just envisioning playing. He’s a tremendous competitor. It’s great. You get a little nostalgic about it, and just so happy for each and every one of the guys. And now you’re talking about long and trusting friendships… Vikings fans are going to be really happy, as well, with JJ McCarthy.”