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The Los Angeles Chargers hired Jim Harbaugh in the hopes that the fiery, successful coach can turn their fortunes around.
The Chargers cut their win total in half last season, a product due in part to Justin Herbert missing a chunk of the end of the season but also a sign that change was needed. Fresh off of a national championship, the franchise believes Harbaugh can make them a winning team again as he did with the San Francisco 49ers.
Harbaugh said in an interview with KCAL News' Chris Hayre that the team has been competing hard this offseason. Putting in the work during organized team activities and eventually mini camp and training camp is an obvious but important step to Los Angeles' hopeful return to the postseason.
Joined by head coach Jim Harbaugh this morning on @kcalnews at the Chargers Golf Invitational, where “competitors are welcome.” ⚡️
The tournament benefits and celebrates the work of the Chargers Impact Fund. pic.twitter.com/DtRzAgJBZs
— Chris Hayre (@chrishayre) June 3, 2024
“So far, it’s just been great with the team,” Harbaugh said.“ We’ve just been working, chipping away, really every day [for] about nine straight weeks with the fellas, practically perfect attendance. I think that’s an incredible edge that we have, the way our guys are working in the offseason, and if we keep that going, that edge is going to continue to grow.”
That “incredible edge,” which Harbaugh displays at all times, is what the Chargers sorely lacked under Brandon Staley. They never seemed to have that edge that allowed them to consistently play up to competition or take care of easier opponents.
“We want to work hard and have fun doing it. Competitors are welcome in that equation,” Harbaugh said. His focus on conditioning is sure to pay off in the long run, as is his no-nonsense approach.
Chargers looking to make return to the playoffs under Jim Harbaugh
With Herbert under center, the story has been similar. It's the main narrative around the young quarterback himself: the talent has been there but the results have not been.
While the roster around Herbert wasn’t insanely great and injuries to numerous key players, like Joey Bosa and Rashawn Slater, derailed their progress, they have consistently found ways to blow it. Harbaugh aims to change that, though given the nature of the roster turnover this offseason, it may take some time.
It will be especially interesting to see how Harbaugh works with Herbert has a new core of skill players around him. Only Josh Palmer and Quentin Johnston, fresh off of a disappointing rookie season, are the main targets who are back in LA. Wide receivers Ladd McConkey and D.J. Chark, tight ends Will Dissly and Hayden Hurst and running backs Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins are all new additions.
Looking to add a more surefire WR1 has to be near the top of the Chargers' checklist for moves to make. The learning curve under a new coach shouldn’t be too hard for a coach with previous NFL head coaching experience but it could still be a hindrance for the time being. The Chargers having the Kansas City Chiefs in their division always presents a challenge but they can still be a competitive team in the AFC in due time.
