The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1514918
32 THE WOLVERINE ❱ FEBRUARY 2024 Harbaugh led the San Francisco 49ers to three NFC title game appearances and a 44-19-1 record in his four years with the franchise. Some believe the way it ended — the coach and the front office at odds — left other NFL teams wary about hiring him. The Chargers, though, seem desper- ate for a winner after moving to L.A. from San Diego. They fired coach Bran- don Staley and general manager Tom Telesco in Week 15, interviewed former Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Les- lie Frazier, 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, Las Vegas Raiders defen- sive coordinator Patrick Graham, De- troit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, and Dallas Cowboys D.C. Dan Quinn, among several others. None, though, have Harbaugh's ré- sumé, and some believe the owners, the Spanos family, are looking for a proven commodity this time. The last three Chargers coaches were considered up- and-comers — but none managed to win. That's led some, like ESPN NFL ana- lyst Adam Schefter, to believe they'll go after the proven commodity this time. "I believe the Chargers are target- ing him to be their guy, and we'll see if they can sit down and figure it out," Schefter said in mid-January on "The Pat McAfee Show." "That means, can the Chargers set up their organization in a way that Jim would be comfortable? Are they saying the same kind of things, and speaking the same kind of language?" You would think so. Harbaugh, after all, has won everywhere he's been. He's led the Wolverines to an 89-25 record and eight bowl game appearances in nine seasons and to a 15-0 record and the CFP National Championship in 2023. The Wolverines capped it with a 34-13 win over the Huskies in the na- tional championship game. The Chargers were also searching for a new general manager, and it just so hap- pened that three they announced they'd interview — New York Giants assistant GM Brandon Brown, Baltimore Ravens director of player personnel Joe Hor- tiz and Chicago Bears assistant GM Ian Cunningham — had ties to Harbaugh. Hortiz works with John Harbaugh in Baltimore, while Cunningham served as a scout for the Ravens for nine seasons. Though the Chargers reportedly have some salary cap issues, they also have a quarterback in Justin Herbert who could become one of the league's best. They now want the coach who will help him — and the franchise — reach its fullest potential. CHARGERS CLOSING IN? While it appeared they were making progress with Harbaugh — the coach flew in for a second interview late Mon- day night, Jan. 22, per sources — noth- ing had been finalized by the next after- noon. Coaching staff budget and control were thought to be sticking points. Still, as of Jan. 23, Harbaugh was the only known prospect on the Chargers' list to have a scheduled second interview. In addition to those listed above, they'd since interviewed former NFL coaches Raheem Morris and Mike Vrabel along with former college head coaches Todd Monken and David Shaw (the latter sat- isfying the NFL's Rooney Rule pertaining to potential minority hires). Also interviewed: NFL coordina- tors Aaron Glenn, Giff Smith, Kellen Moore, Mike Macdonald and Brian Callahan. Macdonald was Harbaugh's defensive coordinator two years ago, helping lead the Wolverines to their first Big Ten title since 2004. Other Chargers GM interviewees have personnel titles, including Ter- rance Gray (Buffalo Bills), Jeff Ireland (New Orleans Saints), and Jeff King (Chicago). Harbaugh, meanwhile, was keeping his plans much closer to the vest after the Minnesota fiasco two years ago. One reporter, Jon Root, caught up with him at a March for Life rally in Wash- ington, D.C., the day before Harbaugh Harbaugh has led the Wolverines to an 89-25 record and eight bowl game appearances in nine years, including a 15-0 record and the CFP National Championship in the 2023 season. PHOTO BY DOMINICK SOKOTOFF