Former NFL star Shawne Merriman had hoped the Los Angeles Chargers would go after Jim Harbaugh instead of Bill Belichick, and his wish came true this week when the Michigan head coach left for the NFL team. .
Harbaugh agreed to become the Chargers' next head coach, replacing Brandon Staley, as the team finished last in the AFC West with a 5-12 record. Harbaugh will take over an underperforming team and have it compete in one of the toughest divisions in the NFL.
Merriman, who played for the Chargers during his time in San Diego, told Fox News Digital in a recent interview that it was a natural fit for Harbaugh to join the Chargers.
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jim harbaugh (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
“The truth is, it was pretty much the only option. It just made so much sense,” said the three-time Pro Bowler. “One is, he plays for the Chargers and he already has ties to the Chargers. Jim Harbaugh has been very vocal about what he thinks about Justin Herbert and his ability. . He thinks he's a great quarterback.”
“And vice versa, Jim Harbaugh was looking to make the jump to the NFL. So what better jump than joining an already established team. There are superstars there who just underperformed last year. This was just an opportunity.'' The team's performance was suffering due to a lack of leadership, and now they understand that. ”
Merriman said the Chargers need to strengthen their defense and the next coach needs to establish an identity on that side of the ball. Los Angeles ranked 24th in points allowed and 28th in yards allowed in 2023.
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Jim Harbaugh played two seasons with the San Diego Chargers. (Tom Hawk/Getty Images)
“Someone gives them an identity,” he said. “Last year, they had a huge identity problem. They didn't know who they were or what they were doing. They hadn't established any kind of mentality. It was just showing up and playing. “That would be someone who was dominant enough. When I say dominant, I mean someone with a strong enough personality, a strong enough mindset, and a strong enough mindset that they It’s about showing up right away and giving it an identity.”
He named majors who would be great hires for the Chargers if possible.
“I don't know if this is a possibility, but if coach Mike Vrabel doesn't get the head coaching job, I'm willing to do everything.” [my] They had the authority to bring him in as defensive coordinator. “Because that's what makes an ultimate All-Star team, an All-Star coaching staff,” he said. “I don't know if that's possible. I think they're probably waiting for it. Mike Vrabel gets a head coaching job somewhere, but if that happens, I think [these] The charger will go crazy. ”
Asked if he would consider the job if Harbaugh called him, Merriman said he doesn't have time to give the job the time and consideration it deserves.
mike vrabel (Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
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Merriman focuses on Lights Out Extreme Fighting 14. The MMA event will be held on February 16th in Long Beach, California.
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