Jim Harbaugh’s return to the NFL and his role as coach of the Los Angeles Chargers began on December 14 of last year.
That night, the Las Vegas Raiders defeated the Chargers 63-21, leading to the dismissal of coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco just 13 hours later. This game was one of the worst losses in franchise history.
The outcome also played a big part in Antonio Pierce becoming the Raiders’ head coach.
On Sunday, Harbaugh will be coaching his first NFL game since 2014 against the team where he started his coaching career. Harbaugh was the Raiders’ quarterbacks coach for two years (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 focus and attention to detail, such as a 10-minute review of the team photo and a spreadsheet for player positioning in Monday’s photo, have generated excitement about a team that finished 5-12 last season.
“Everybody knows these games count now. There’s a heightened focus and attention to everything,” Harbaugh said. “You can prepare as much as possible, but you really don’t know what to expect in 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 considered for the Raiders job before Pierce was promoted from interim coach after nine games last season. Las Vegas won three of its last four games, starting with the big win over the Chargers on a Thursday night, ending with an 8-9 record.
“From my perspective, if it’s between me and (Jim) Harbaugh, that’s not a bad thing. But AP is the one here,” said Pierce, who had a 5-4 record in his interim role.
Pierce said his approach for Sunday remains the same as last year. The main changes have been building the team during the offseason, adjusting the coaching staff, and working with Telesco, who was hired as general manager.
