Chargers complete interview with Jim Harbaugh

Field Level Media|published: Mon 15th January, 17:33 2024

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh lifts the AFCA Coaches' Trophy during the national championship celebration at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024. credits: Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh interviewed to become head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday.

Harbaugh, a former NFL quarterback with the San Diego Chargers for two seasons late in his career, met with the Spanos Family that owns the team.

He called the Los Angeles area "the happiest place on earth" when asked about his interest in returning to the NFL during Michigan's run up to the Rose Bowl.

Harbaugh guided the Wolverines (15-0) to the College Football Playoff national championship in a 34-13 win over Washington last Monday.

Harbaugh, 60, has a record of 89-25 at his alma mater and made three consecutive CFP appearances. He also coached at the University of San Diego (2004-06) and has a 118-46 record as a FBS head coach at Stanford (2007-10) and Michigan (2015-present).

Harbaugh went 44-19-1 as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers from 2011-14, including the 2012 NFC championship title and a loss to the Ravens and his older brother, Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh, in Super Bowl XLVII. Jim Harbaugh played in the league from 1987-2000 for four teams, including his final two seasons for the Chargers.

Jim Harbaugh was suspended twice during the 2023 season at Michigan for alleged recruiting violations and a sign-stealing scandal, with the NCAA in the midst of ongoing investigations for alleged wrongdoing.

The Chargers are busy interviewing candidates for head coach and general manager. Los Angeles fired Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco on Dec. 15.

Among candidates the Chargers confirmed interviews with since the end of the season are 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken and defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham and two internal candidates — interim head coach Giff Smith and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore.

GM candidates include Ravens director of player personnel Joe Hortiz, New York Giants assistant GM Brandon Brown and Chargers interim GM JoJo Wooden.

—Field Level Media

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