Report: Chargers in 'striking distance' with Jim Harbaugh

Field Level Media|published: Tue 23rd January, 14:07 2024

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh celebrates during the trophy presentation after the 34-13 win over Washington at the national championship game at NRG Stadium in Houston on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. credits: Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Los Angeles Chargers are within "striking distance" of a deal to make Jim Harbaugh their new head coach, NFL Network reported Tuesday.

Harbaugh, fresh off a national championship at Michigan, is meeting with the Chargers for a second time Tuesday. He also has interviewed with the Atlanta Falcons.

The Chargers completed their first meeting with Harbaugh on Jan. 15. The former San Diego Chargers quarterback met with the Spanos family, who owns the team, at that time.

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

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

The Chargers fired head coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco on Dec. 15. They finished 5-12, including 0-3 under interim coach Giff Smith.

Other big-name coaches have been linked to the vacancy, including former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel and former Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll.

—Field Level Media

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