Jim Harbaugh played college football for the University of Michigan Wolverines. He led his alma mater to a National Championship after defeating the Washington Huskies. This time, he will return to the National Football League as head coach for the Los Angeles Chargers, a team he played quarterback for two seasons.

The Chargers announced Harbaugh’s hiring but did not disclose the full terms of the deal. All that’s known for now is that it’s a five-year deal with annual compensation higher than what he earned in Michigan.

Harbaugh comes to the Chargers with an impressive record. He revamped the Wolverines program since taking over in 2015. His guidance helped the maize and blue win three consecutive Big Ten Conference championships and four Big Ten East division titles.

His success at Ann Arbor isn’t one-off because he wins in every coaching stop he has made. He led the San Diego Toreros to two Pioneer Football League championships and turned the Stanford Cardinals into a nationally ranked football squad.

Before taking the Michigan head coaching role, Harbaugh took over the San Francisco 49ers, leading the squad to three NFC Championship Games and a Super Bowl stint.

Aside from building winning programs, he has a penchant for developing quarterbacks. His coaching helped Andrew Luck become an NFL-level quarterback with four Pro Bowl selections. He also won with Colin Kaepernick and J.J. McCarthy. That asset will help him develop a good rapport with Pro Bowl quarterback Justin Herbert.

With their head coaching hunt already settled, the Chargers must address other matters, especially going under the projected 2024 salary cap. They must decide on the contract extensions of Austin Ekeler, Khalil Mack, Keenan Allen, and Mike Williams.

Coincidentally, the Chargers will play AFC North teams next season. Therefore, Jim Harbaugh will have a showdown against his brother, John, and the Baltimore Ravens.

-Lance Fernandez