When it comes to the Los Angeles Chargers, there hasn’t been much to cheer about, particularly since they relocated from San Diego to Los Angeles. Their 2023 season was filled with injuries, terrible coaching decisions (from their former head coach Brandon Staley), and a huge lack of focus on the field.
There was even further glaring evidence of a fan base throwing in the towel on the Chargers faster than a Justin Herbert slant at Sofi. The Chargers went 5-12 during the 2023 regular season, ending the year on a five-game losing streak with a dismal 2-7 home record.
Based on their current roster, this L.A. team has too much talent to be sitting in the basement of the AFC West. We all know that Justin Herbert sat out the last 4 games of the season due to a fractured finger, but when healthy with time to throw, he’s clearly top 5 in the league regarding quarterback play.
One thing they’ve done right lately is the acquisition and hiring of former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh, who played for the Chargers back in the 1999-2000 season. Harbaugh’s name alone has breathed new life into a Chargers franchise that’s been on life support since arriving in Los Angeles.
He has an all-time NFL coaching record of 49-22-1, winning .688 % of his games. His postseason record in the NFL is 5-3, at .625%. Known for his fiery and intense coaching style, there are going to be a lot of changes in and out of the Chargers locker room and within their current roster.
Harbaugh is a no-nonsense type of coach who will give it to you just how he wants his message to be heard. Under his regime, there will be a greater drive and hunger to win within the Chargers organization. The biggest thing I’m looking forward to is the connection between Harbaugh and Herbert. With Jim being a former NFL QB and a great football mind, I believe he can elevate Herbert to an even higher level than what he’s already accomplished.
Despite the splashy hire of Harbaugh, resurrecting the Chargers won’t be an easy task, particularly when you’re in the same division with the great Patrick Mahomes. Let’s not forget that newly named Raiders head coach Antonio
Pierce, who has the Raiders playing better football, and the Chiefs have won the AFC West 8 consecutive years. Denver doesn’t appear to be a huge threat, but we’ve only seen Sean Payton in Denver for one season.
The one guy who can get the most out of Herbert and that stacked Chargers roster is Jim Harbaugh. Now that he’s captured a national championship on a collegiate level, he has his sights set on winning a Superbowl, which at this point seems further away than closer.
Life can change within the blink of an eye, so I’m not going to underestimate the greatness and leadership of Harbaugh. He’ll need some time to get this team back on track, but if anyone can put a smile on Chargers owner Dean Spanos’ face, Harbaugh has my vote. Spanos is not getting any younger, and he wants to capture a title for the Chargers sooner rather than later.
Spanos purchased the team for $70 million back in 1984, and their current valuation is listed at $4.15 Billion. That’s a huge sign of financial growth, but the play on the field hasn’t lived up to the elevated valuation numbers of the team.
It will also be interesting to see who will replace former Gm Tom Telesco, who stays in the AFC West but is now with the Vegas Raiders as their General Manager. Giants assistant GM Brandon Brown is conducting a 2nd interview with the Chargers as we speak.
At this point, the only way to go is up for the Chargers, as you can’t sink much more than what transpired last year in Los Angeles with them. The arrival of Harbaugh will certainly make noise, maybe even louder than that lighting bolt on a summer night in Tampa, Florida. Get your popcorn and soda pop ready, as this appears to be an L.A. Premiere that you don’t want to miss.