Reports: Chargers hiring Jim Harbaugh as HC

Field Level Media|published: Wed 24th January, 19:29 2024

Jim Harbaugh looks on during the Michigan Wolverines' national championship celebration at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Jan. 13, 2024. credits: Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Jim Harbaugh is leaving the University of Michigan to become the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, multiple media outlets reported Wednesday.

Harbaugh, who has spent the last nine years coaching at his alma mater, guided the Wolverines to the national title earlier this month, the first time the school has won the championship since 1997.

The Chargers, who went 5-12 this season, fired head coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco last month after a 63-21 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Staley spent three seasons with Los Angeles, finishing with a 24-24 mark.

Harbaugh, 60, leaves Michigan with an 89-25 record, including eight bowl appearances. Before his stint with the Wolverines, he was the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers from 2011-14 and guided them to the Super Bowl following the 2012 season. He parted ways with the 49ers after the 2014 campaign, going 44-19-1 in four seasons.

Harbaugh's head-coaching career began in 2004 at the University of San Diego, where he guided the Toreros to a 29-6 record during his three seasons. He also spent four seasons as Stanford's head coach (2007-10) and led the Cardinal to two bowl appearances and a 29-21 record.

—Field Level Media