Tag: Jim Harbaugh

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NFL (American Football)

Trey Lance to Start Chargers’ Preseason Opener as Harbaugh Prioritizes Development Over Star Power

Jim Harbaugh
Jim Harbaugh (NFL)

The 2025 NFL preseason kicks off in just two days with a matchup between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Detroit Lions. Though this extra preseason game won’t feature starters, it still offers something of note for fans. Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh has announced that quarterback Trey Lance will start the game and play into the third quarter, giving the young signal-caller an extended opportunity to showcase his abilities.

Trey Lance, a former No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, joined the Chargers in April on a one-year deal after spending the last two seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. Harbaugh emphasized that the primary reason for Lance’s extended playtime is to give him valuable in-game experience, which he has lacked so far in his professional career. Lance, now 25, played in only four games last year with Dallas, starting one and finishing the season with 266 passing yards, one interception, and 41 rushing yards.

Trey Lance
Trey Lance (NFL)

Chargers to Rest Starters, Focus on Depth and Young Talent in Preseason Opener

Following Lance, DJ Uiagalelei will take over at quarterback in the third quarter and finish out the game. Veteran Taylor Heinicke will be suited up as the emergency quarterback but is not expected to see any action. As anticipated in a preseason opener, starting quarterback Justin Herbert will not dress, as the team prioritizes health and evaluation of backup players.

In addition to Herbert, several other key players will sit out Thursday’s game. Veteran wide receiver Quentin Johnston won’t participate, and rookie receiver Ladd McConkey is also expected to miss the game due to a minor injury. The Chargers appear focused on testing their depth and evaluating younger talent during this early preseason outing.

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Jim Harbaugh Endorses Sherrone Moore of Michigan: ‘He Will Make Us All Very Proud’

Jim Harbaugh Backs Michigan’s Sherrone Moore: ‘He Will Make Us All Very Proud’

As reported by the Associated Press (via ESPN), the former head coach of the University of Michigan, who is now set to assume the role of head coach for the Los Angeles Chargers, expressed his faith in Moore, recently appointed as the Wolverines’ head coach.

In a text message sent on Saturday, Harbaugh stated, “The only person I would want to do the job. I am 100% convinced that he will make us all very proud!!!”

Having been associated with Michigan in various capacities since 2017, Moore is gearing up for his inaugural stint as head coach in 2024, having gained valuable experience during the preceding season.

Jim Harbaugh
Jim Harbaugh

During 2023, Moore took charge as the Wolverines’ head coach in four games when Harbaugh faced suspensions on two separate occasions. The first suspension was related to alleged recruiting violations during the COVID-19 pandemic, while the second was linked to his alleged involvement in a sign-stealing controversy.

Moore successfully led the team to a 4-0 record in those games, securing noteworthy victories against Penn State and Ohio State. His adept handling of the interim role played a crucial role in securing the permanent head coaching position.

Moore faces the challenge of succeeding Harbaugh, who, in the shortened 2020 season, experienced only one losing season and achieved remarkable success, including three Big Ten titles, three College Football Playoff appearances, and a national title in the previous season.

Receiving an endorsement from Harbaugh on Saturday undoubtedly provides Moore with a boost of confidence as he embarks on this new chapter in his coaching journey.

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NFL (American Football)

Jim Harbaugh Scheduled for Second Interview with Chargers Amidst Falcons Speculation

NFL Rumors: Jim Harbaugh to Have 2nd Chargers HC Interview amid Falcons Buzz

Following the Kansas City Chiefs’ triumph over the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round on Sunday, tight end Travis Kelce expressed his utmost respect for Bills quarterback Josh Allen.

In a postgame encounter on the field, Kelce commended Allen for a stellar season, conveying, “You know it’s all the love in the world, baby. Love you, brother. Hell of a job getting here. That’s crazy that you got here.”

The authenticity of their exchange was highlighted by Dan Fetes, who remarked, “Real recognize real.”

Jim Harbaugh
Jim Harbaugh (Credits: On3)

Both Kelce and Allen delivered exceptional performances in the game. Kelce contributed with 75 yards and two touchdowns in the victory, while Allen showcased his versatility with 186 passing yards, a passing touchdown, and an additional 72 rushing yards with two touchdowns on the ground.

The Bills and Chiefs consistently offer exciting matchups in the playoffs, and this Sunday was no exception. Unfortunately for Allen and the Bills, it resulted in another defeat, marking their third playoff loss to the Chiefs in the last four seasons.

Looking ahead, the Chiefs aim to build on the momentum gained from the significant win as they prepare for the AFC title game against the Baltimore Ravens next week. Meanwhile, the Bills will embark on their offseason, evaluating what adjustments are needed to propel them to the Super Bowl in the future.

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Falcons Interview Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh for Head Coaching Position Following Arthur Smith’s Departure

Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh Interviewed by Falcons for HC Job After Arthur Smith Firing

The Atlanta Falcons made an announcement on Tuesday night that they have interviewed Jim Harbaugh from Michigan for the head coaching vacancy. The team has conducted interviews with several other candidates, including Bill Belichick, Mike Macdonald, Anthony Weaver, Brian Callahan, Steve Wilks, and Ejiro Evero.

The Falcons present an intriguing opportunity for potential coaches, particularly on the offensive side, where they have young playmakers like running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London, and tight end Kyle Pitts. The previous head coach, Arthur Smith, faced criticism for not fully utilizing these talents, but it’s speculated that Harbaugh’s run-heavy offensive approach could benefit players like Robinson.

Jim Harbaugh
Jim Harbaugh

However, the team’s major uncertainty lies at the quarterback position, and any incoming head coach would likely be interested in Atlanta’s plans for addressing that issue. Questions arise about whether the Falcons will pursue a veteran option through trade or free agency, potentially targeting players like Justin Fields or Kirk Cousins. Additionally, there’s speculation about whether they will use their No. 8 overall pick in the draft to secure a quarterback or explore trade options for one of the top prospects.

Jim Harbaugh is a prominent name in the coaching market, boasting an impressive résumé. In his professional career, he was an NFL quarterback and later served as the quarterbacks coach for the Oakland Raiders and the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, achieving a 44-19-1 record with three playoff berths and one Super Bowl appearance. At the college level, he coached at San Diego, Stanford, and Michigan, accumulating a 118-46 record at the FBS level with three Big Ten championships and a national title in the recent season.

Harbaugh, considered a high-profile hire, is expected to draw interest from other teams, having already interviewed with the Los Angeles Chargers.

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Negotiations Continue Between Jim Harbaugh and Michigan for New Contract Amidst Ongoing NFL Speculation

Report: Jim Harbaugh, Michigan Still Negotiating New Contract amid NFL Rumors

Jim Harbaugh’s annual flirtation with the NFL has once again spurred the University of Michigan into action with the hope of retaining him as head football coach.

Per NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, Harbaugh and Michigan are in ongoing negotiations about a new contract as he ponders head-coaching jobs in the NFL.

Rapoport and Pelissero noted Harbaugh is believed to have an interview scheduled with the Los Angeles Chargers sometime next week, while the Las Vegas Raiders are weighing a potential pursuit of the 60-year-old.

Negotiations Continue Between Jim Harbaugh and Michigan for New Contract Amidst Ongoing NFL Speculation
Negotiations Continue Between Jim Harbaugh and Michigan for New Contract Amidst Ongoing NFL Speculation (Credits: Getty Images)

Rapoport reported on Christmas Eve that Michigan had two different offers on the table for Harbaugh. One of them was a 10-year, $125 million deal with a clause prohibiting him from entertaining or accepting an NFL coaching job in 2024.

The second offer was “far shorter” than that one and was worth about $11 million per season.

It’s unclear if Michigan has changed those proposals to Harbaugh, though his leverage has certainly increased after leading the Wolverines to a national title this season for the first time in 26 years.

Rapoport and Pelissero noted Michigan’s efforts to sign Harbaugh comes “in light of other recent movement within college football.”

Washington, which lost to Michigan in the College Football Playoff Championship Game on Monday, has to replace Kalen DeBoer. He was announced as Alabama’s new head coach on Friday after Nick Saban retired earlier in the week.

The Raiders’ interest in Harbaugh may not be strong enough to push him ahead of Antonio Pierce. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Saturday that Pierce is considered the leading candidate for Las Vegas, and the team hasn’t interviewed anyone else at this point.

Michigan has every reason to want to keep Harbaugh. He’s led the program to three consecutive Big Ten titles and appearances in the College Football Playoff, including this year’s title victory.

The Wolverines have defeated Ohio State in each of the past three years. They lost eight consecutive games in the rivalry from 2012 to ’19.

Michigan went 46-42 with one 10-win season in seven combined years with Rich Rodriguez and Brady Hoke from 2008 to ’14. Harbaugh is 89-25 with six 10-win seasons since taking over in 2015.

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NFL (American Football)

Harbaugh’s Crossroads: Michigan Triumph or NFL Temptation with Panthers and Bears?

Harbaugh
Harbaugh

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh is aiming for a college football national championship, but two NFL teams are expressing interest in acquiring him for their coaching positions. Harbaugh, who last coached in the NFL in 2014 with the San Francisco 49ers before moving to Ann Arbor, Michigan, has led the No. 2 Michigan Wolverines to an impressive 12-0 record and their third consecutive appearance in the Big Ten title game. After defeating Ohio State for the third consecutive year, many believe Michigan has a strong chance of securing its first national championship since 1997.

However, rumors linking Harbaugh to the NFL have resurfaced, with two NFC teams reportedly eyeing him. Dianna Russini of The Athletic mentioned on “The Herd” that the Carolina Panthers and the Chicago Bears are interested in Harbaugh. Russini noted that Panthers owner David Tepper and Harbaugh had discussions last year, though it didn’t materialize. The Chicago Bears are also reportedly considering Harbaugh, pending decisions on their coaching staff and quarterback situation.

Harbaugh
Harbaugh

Harbaugh had a meeting with the Minnesota Vikings last year, describing it as a “one-time thing.” Despite stating last year that it would be his last attempt at securing an NFL head-coaching position, rumors persist.

The Carolina Panthers recently fired Frank Reich after a challenging 1-10 season, with interim head coach Chris Tabor taking over. Reich was dismissed mid-season for the second consecutive year, following a similar situation with the Indianapolis Colts last year.

The Chicago Bears are positioned to have two top-five picks in the upcoming NFL Draft, currently holding the fourth overall pick and the first overall pick from the Panthers. This additional pick was acquired through a trade that involved last year’s No. 1 pick, allowing Carolina to select Bryce Young.

Harbaugh, despite facing challenges, is set to return to the sidelines against Iowa after being prohibited from coaching in Michigan’s last three games due to alleged sign-stealing. He also served a three-game suspension at the start of this season for recruiting violations.