Jim Harbaugh Hired as Head Coach of Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers have made a significant hire by bringing in Jim Harbaugh, the reigning national champion, to be their new head coach. Harbaugh, who previously coached in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers, has a strong track record of success and is a highly qualified candidate for the job. This move is seen as a great fit for both Harbaugh and the Chargers, as they look to rebuild their organization and make a return to the playoffs.
Harbaugh’s Fit with the Chargers
One of the main reasons why Harbaugh is a great fit for the Chargers is the presence of their franchise quarterback, Justin Herbert. Harbaugh has a history of developing quarterbacks, as seen with his success with Andrew Luck at Stanford and Colin Kaepernick with the 49ers. Herbert has shown great potential and Harbaugh will have the opportunity to work with him and help him reach his full potential. Additionally, Harbaugh will have more control over personnel decisions with the Chargers, which is something he has desired in the past.
The Chargers’ Reasons for Wanting Harbaugh
The Chargers’ decision to hire Harbaugh is based on his proven track record of success and his ability to turn around struggling teams. Throughout his coaching career, Harbaugh has consistently improved the performance of his players and has led teams to success. The Chargers are hoping that Harbaugh can bring that same level of success to their organization and help them become a playoff contender once again.
The Looming Decisions to Figure Out
While the hiring of Harbaugh is a great step forward for the Chargers, there are still some important decisions that need to be made. One of the key decisions will be determining who Harbaugh will hire as his coordinators. There are several potential candidates, including Mike Macdonald, the current defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, and Vic Fangio, who previously worked with Harbaugh as the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers. The Chargers will also need to address their salary cap situation and make decisions about which players to re-sign and which ones to let go. These decisions will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the team under Harbaugh’s leadership.
Harbaugh’s Hiring and the Potential Impact on the Chargers’ Offense
When discussing the potential impact of Jim Harbaugh’s hiring as head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, the focus often turns to the offensive coordinator position. One name that has been mentioned as a potential candidate is Greg Roman, who has worked with Harbaugh in the past and has a track record of success.
Roman’s Success with Mobile Quarterbacks
Roman’s offensive schemes have been particularly effective when paired with mobile quarterbacks. In San Francisco, he worked with Colin Kaepernick, helping him to excel both as a passer and a runner. Roman’s offense in Baltimore also played a significant role in Lamar Jackson’s MVP season in 2019.
However, there are concerns about whether Roman’s run-heavy approach would be the best fit for Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert. While Herbert has shown the ability to scramble and make tough plays, the team likely wants to limit his exposure to hits and potential injuries.
Harbaugh’s History with Quarterbacks
On the other hand, Harbaugh has a history of getting the most out of his quarterbacks. In 2011, he helped Alex Smith have a career-altering year with a more conventional passing attack. This suggests that Harbaugh and Roman could build a coherent offense that maximizes Herbert’s talents without relying too heavily on his running ability.
The Case for Kellen Moore
It’s worth noting that the Chargers’ current offensive coordinator, Kellen Moore, had the team performing well during the first half of the season. The Chargers ranked highly in both EPA per play and points scored per drive. Moore’s success with the team led to him being considered for head coaching positions and even an offensive coordinator role with the Bears.
While Harbaugh will have the final say on the coaching staff, there is a possibility that Moore could stick around with a new coach in Los Angeles next season.
Looking Ahead
Overall, Harbaugh’s hiring is seen as a positive step for the Chargers after a disappointing season. However, there is still much work to be done. The identity of the coordinators will provide insight into Harbaugh’s plans for the team’s roster and the direction of the offense.
As Harbaugh takes on the challenge of turning around a 5-12 team, he will have a full offseason to implement his strategies and build a contender. It will be an exciting journey to watch unfold.