A Look Back at Jim Harbaugh’s First Chargers Press Conference

Earlier this month, Jim Harbaugh was introduced as the Los Angeles Chargers’ next head coach at his introductory press conference. The press conference revealed more insight into why Harbaugh left Michigan for the NFL along with his thoughts and plans for the Chargers. Here are three of the top takeaways from Harbaugh’s first Chargers presser:

THE CHARGERS ARE SET TO WIN, HARBAUGH

The fact that Harbaugh prioritizes winning with the Chargers is possibly the most important lesson to be learned from the conference. Naturally, the main objective of any new coach entering a team is to win, so hearing Harbaugh talk about it resonates even more because he has won at every stop. With the San Francisco 49ers, Harbaugh accomplished an amazing comeback in 2011 that led them to three straight NFC Championship Games. Additionally, he turned Michigan into one of the best teams in college football and helped them win a national championship earlier this year.

via Chargers Communications, “That’s our goal, is to treat people in a first-class manner to win multiple championships,” Harbaugh stated. There weren’t many head coaches like Jim Harbaugh who could have brought legitimacy to a franchise like the Chargers, who haven’t won a division title or the Super Bowl since 2009.

HARBAUGH AND JUSTIN HERBERT ARE SET TO WORK.

Aside from winning, selecting a coach who could best utilize Justin Herbert’s skills and abilities was crucial for the Chargers’ next job.

Harbaugh has it, having already called Herbert a “crown jewel.” Of course, Herbert is among the current quarterbacks with the highest upside because of his exceptional arm skill. Regarding Herbert, Harbaugh remarked, “The thing that is just jumping out is this enormous talent.” “I’m waking up like real early in the morning these days going.” Not only is Harbaugh excited to collaborate with Herbert, but he also wants to shield him and support his passing assault with a potent run game. Herbert will benefit from both of them, and it is in the quarterback’s best interest.

THE CHARGERS COMPANY IS LINED UP

There were many reports during Harbaugh’s last NFL season with the San Francisco 49ers that his employment was cut short due to differences between him and the team’s ownership and front management. The key lesson here is how aligned the current Chargers appear, regardless of what transpired behind the scenes.

Harbaugh has described his relationship with incoming general manager Joe Hortiz as “Batman and Robin,” suggesting that the two are already on the same page. Joe [Hortiz] is amazing, Harbaugh remarked. “He spent the previous 16 or 17 years as a member of the Ravens.” No one has a greater understanding of it or the talent. He performs an outstanding job. “Now, here, my relationship with the GM, I really want to be Robin to his Batman in the offseason, then when it turns around to the season, I’ll be Batman and he’ll be he’ll be Robin,” Harbaugh said.

The organization’s alignment has been strengthened by the positive remarks made about each other by Harbaugh and the Spanos family. All of this seems to point to a cohesive Chargers team that won’t disintegrate as rapidly as the 49ers did towards the conclusion of his time there.