The Los Angeles Chargers will officially hire former University of Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh as head coach, sources told ESPN, the newspaper reported.
After a week-long courtship and interviews with 15 candidates, the most in the league, the Chargers have landed the right person. according to ESPN.
BREAKING: Jim Harbaugh is leaving Michigan to take the head coaching job with the Los Angeles Chargers, sources tell ESPN.
The Chargers acquired talent, and the national champions now have a head coaching vacancy. pic.twitter.com/e937qd03hP
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 24, 2024
According to a report by ESPN, sources said the contract is for five years. Exact numbers have not yet been reported, but according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, “there's no doubt it will be profitable.”
of #charger Sources say they have agreed to terms on a contract with Jim Harbaugh. He promises to be profitable.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 24, 2024
Harbaugh returns to the NFL after nine years as head coach of the Michigan Wolverines, which ended with a national championship. (Related: Will the Harbaugh family values make football great again?)
ANN ARBOR, MI – JANUARY 13: Michigan Wolverines head coach waves to fans after the Michigan Wolverines' football national championship celebration at Crisler Center on January 13, 2024 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. , Jim Harbaugh. (Photo by Nick Antaya/Getty Images)
The University of Michigan is intent on retaining Harbaugh, and the school reportedly offered him the most lucrative coaching contract in college football history. according to In the Detroit Free Press.
Although his tenure in Ann Arbor was widely considered successful (he held a 144-22 record in nine seasons), it was not without controversy.
According to Yahoo Sports, Harbaugh will be suspended for three games through the start of the 2023 season for his role in an alleged recruiting violation, as well as a suspension imposed by the Big Ten following the University of Michigan's alleged sign-stealing scandal. He also missed the final three games before bowl season. .
In the aftermath of the latter incident, Harbaugh reportedly requested immunity from the NCAA's findings.
The last time he was on an NFL sideline was as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, leading the team to the Super Bowl. 2013are now one step away from the Ravens, who are coached by his brother John Harbaugh.
SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 28: San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh leaves the field after their victory over the Arizona Cardinals on December 28, 2014 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Don Ferrier/Getty Images)
He will now lead the Los Angeles Chargers franchise, which was in San Diego when he last coached in the NFL.
