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INGLEWOOD, California – The Los Angeles Chargers officially introduced Jim Harbaugh as its new head coach on Thursday. Harbaugh’s introductory press conference was no ordinary event.
The Chargers typically hold their news conferences at the team’s temporary facility in Costa Mesa. But Harbaugh’s return to professional football fresh off a college football national championship in Michigan It caused shocks in the football scene. Fittingly, the Chargers chose SoFi Stadium’s YouTube Theater as the site of Harbaugh’s initial press conference, about 40 miles north of their team’s temporary home.
USA TODAY Sports was on site for Harbaugh’s introductory press conference with the Chargers. Here are five takeaways from Harbaugh’s high-profile event:
Gratitude
Gratitude was the first word Harbaugh used to describe what being the head coach of the Chargers meant to him. Harbaugh thanked Chargers owner Dean Spanos, the Spanos family, members of the organization and his family, among others, at his introductory news conference.
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In true Harbaugh fashion, he cited Morgan Freeman and his character in the movie “The Shawshank Redemption” as an analogy to describe his feelings.
“Excited. If I could describe it to you, it would be like Morgan Freeman in ‘The Shawshank Redemption,'” Harbaugh said. “I’m so excited I can’t sit still or think about what a free man would feel before a long journey. I just want to cross the border and shake my friend’s hand. That’s how I feel. I want to win and I want to win the right way. I want to treat people first class and be really good at football.”
Change culture
The Chargers finished 2023 a disappointing 5-12 and fired coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco midseason. The Chargers have only made the postseason three times since 2010 and are one of 12 NFL teams to never win a Super Bowl.
It’s clear the Chargers are trying to establish a winning franchise.. Harbaugh was asked how he envisions changing the culture. While he admitted that he doesn’t have a “magic formula,” he told the media that it will take a team effort.
“The team, the team, the team. It will take a team effort. There will be no magic formula. The only ones I know are good old-fashioned hard work and teamwork,” Harbaugh said. “And that is the vision I received from the Spanos family. “This has to be done as a team.”
Part of the Chargers’ cultural change is a new facility. The Chargers plan to move to a new permanent team facility in nearby El Segundo later this year.
Justin Herbert: ‘A jewel in the crown’
It’s no secret that Harbaugh is a great Justin Herbert fan. Harbaugh recently said on CBS that he was impressed when he met the Chargers’ franchise quarterback. The Chargers’ new head coach is in the process of watching every throw of Herbert’s NFL career.
“The professionals on this team. “Justin Herbert is a crown jewel in the National Football League,” Harbaugh said. “What is obvious is this enormous talent.”
Herbert’s 2023 season ended after just 13 games due to a season-ending fracture of his right index finger. Herbert’s 17,223 passing yards are the most ever by a QB in his first four seasons.
Building blocks
Along with Herbert, Harbaugh unprovokedly singled out three other players on the Chargers’ roster.
“Derwin James, there is another one. Speaking of someone getting me excited, come on,” Harbaugh said. “Keenan Allen, we have guys. Rashawn Slater, it’s good to see you in the building working… I have to bring my A-game in every sense of the word. I have to assemble and hire a coaching staff that is worthy of coaching not only Justin but also Derwin and all the guys. “I really think this is a talented group gathered here.”
Harbaugh’s mention of current Chargers players is notable because roster changes are expected. The Chargers are entering the 2024 season approximately $45 million over the salary cap, according to Over The Cap.
Why Harbaugh left Michigan
Harbaugh won a national title at Michigan on January 8. On January 24, the Chargers named him head coach. Harbaugh revealed why he ultimately decided to leave college football to return to the NFL.
“I said this the other day, but I have only a few sands left in the hourglass and I want another chance,” Harbaugh said. “I want to have another chance to simply be world champions. The Lombardi Trophy. That’s my mission.”
Michigan hired promoted Sherrone Moore to be the university’s number 21street head coach after Harbaugh’s departure. Moore has been on Harbaugh’s staff at Michigan since 2018. He is the first Black head coach in the history of the Michigan football program. Harbaugh gave his protégé an enthusiastic endorsement.
“Sherrone (Moore) is the right man for the job,” Harbaugh said. “That’s the guy and they did it right.”
Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @ElTylerDragon.
