Jim Harbaugh makes his expectations clear as Chargers open a pivotal 2026 season

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh (left) looks on during the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at SoFi Stadium. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Jim Harbaugh makes his expectations clear as Chargers open a pivotal 2026 season

By Olamilekan Ajayi | Last updated Sep 7, 2026 7:18 PM ET

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Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh has finished 11-6 in each of his first two seasons and lost in the wild-card round both times, most recently at New England in January. His staff was rebuilt after that, with Mike McDaniel hired to run the offense and Chris O'Leary installed as defensive coordinator.

"We all feel we have the talent, we have the commitment, we have everything we need. Let's just go do it. And then that costs what it costs," Harbaugh said in remarks that surfaced Monday, six days before the Chargers open the season. "It's everybody willing to pay the price to do that. Ultimately, if you want something bad enough, then you're going to pay the price to get it. Costs what it costs."

"And if you're not willing to pay the price for it, then quit pretending that you want it," he added. "That's where I feel the mindset of our football team is right now."

Jim Harbaugh says if you really want something you should stop pretending the price is negotiable

“We all feel we have the talent, we have the commitment, we have everything we need. Let’s just go do it. And then that costs what it costs.”

“It’s everybody willing to pay the… pic.twitter.com/Z68n920mZ6
— Josh Chambers (@JoshChambers) September 7, 2026

What Jim Harbaugh did not mention

Los Angeles carried roughly $86 million in projected cap space into the offseason and spent it on Charlie Kolar, Dalvin Tomlinson, Keaton Mitchell and Cole Strange, then replaced both coordinators. Khalil Mack returned at 35 for a 13th NFL season still without a playoff win on his record.

That leaves the remaining cost with the players, and Harbaugh put it to them in terms of personal willingness. He left the two January losses out of the message, which from a coach who talks this much is seldom an accident.

McDaniel's hiring gave Justin Herbert a new play-caller, and Harbaugh has called the former Miami head coach a brilliant football mind. The Chargers have not won the AFC West since 2009. Outside the building, Bleacher Report's Moe Moton picked them to miss the playoffs for the first time under Harbaugh.

Los Angeles hosts Arizona at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 13.

Olamilekan Ajayi

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