Jim Harbaugh’s return to the NFL and his appointment as the Los Angeles Chargers’ head coach started on December 14 of last year.
That night, the Las Vegas Raiders defeated the Chargers 63-21, which led to the firing of coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco just 13 hours later. This game marked the third-worst loss in franchise history.
This result also played a key role in Antonio Pierce becoming the permanent head coach of the Raiders.
On Sunday, Harbaugh will play his first NFL game since 2014 against the team where he began his coaching career. Harbaugh was the Raiders’ quarterbacks coach for two seasons (2002-03).
Harbaugh was hired as the 19th coach in Chargers history in late January after leading Michigan to its first national championship since 1997.
His intense drive and detailed approach, which included a 10-minute review of the team photo in a meeting and a spreadsheet for each player’s position in Monday’s photo, have sparked excitement about the team that had a 5-12 record last season.
“Everybody knows these count now. There’s an extra heightened focus and attention to everything,” Harbaugh said.
“You can do everything to prepare, but you really don’t know (going into the opener). I think we’re going to be good. I’m excited to see what happens. We’re jumping out of the plane and hope the parachute opens.”
Harbaugh was among the candidates for the Raiders job before Pierce was promoted from interim coach to the permanent position. Las Vegas won three of its last four games, starting with the win over the Chargers on a Thursday night, to finish with an 8-9 record.
“Ultimate perspective I’m getting — if it’s between me and (Jim) Harbaugh, that’s not a bad thing. AP is standing here, though,” said Pierce, who went 5-4 as the interim coach.
Pierce mentioned that his approach for Sunday remains the same as last year. The main changes have been building the team during the offseason, making adjustments to the coaching staff, and collaborating with Telesco, who was hired as general manager.
