Keen Jim Harbaugh prepared ‘to take a crack’ at Tremendous Bowl

LOS ANGELES — In his first interview since accepting the Chargers teaching job, Jim Harbaugh informed CBS that he had talked to a few of the crew’s prime gamers, together with broad receiver Keenan Allen, security Derwin James Jr. and quarterback Justin Herbert.

Harbaugh stated his assembly with Herbert left him feeling “a bit of starstruck.”

Harbaugh, who received a nationwide championship at Michigan earlier this month, stated he and his household had been “torn” about returning to the NFL. Harbaugh performed quarterback within the NFL for 14 seasons, spending his last two years with the Chargers (1999-2000).

He coached the San Francisco 49ers from 2011 to 2014, however his tenure resulted in controversy. He and the crew’s entrance workplace and higher administration had been at odds, finally leading to Harbaugh leaving to teach at Michigan in 2014, a yr earlier than his contract expired.

However Harbaugh stated the chance with the Chargers is smart for him now.

“I really like Michigan, however I really like the NFL too. There is not any Lombardi in faculty soccer,” Harbaugh stated. “I’ve bought so many sands left within the hourglass, and I need to take a crack at that.”

Harbaugh takes over for Brandon Staley, who completed his 48-game tenure as Chargers coach with a .500 report and two of essentially the most embarrassing losses in franchise historical past: a playoff loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars during which Los Angeles blew a 27-0 first-half lead, and a 63-21 loss on Dec. 14 to the Las Vegas Raiders, which prompted his firing the next morning.

Harbaugh might be tasked with turning round a Chargers crew that completed 5-12 this season and is projected to be $54.2 million over the wage cap subsequent season.

“We work collectively. We win collectively. It is value it,” Harbaugh stated of the tradition he’s hoping to construct with the Chargers. “The arduous work, the sacrifice, the strain, all of it, why would any person put themselves by that? As a result of the rewards are so darn good.”

Harbaugh could have his introductory information convention Thursday.