Jim Harbaugh may not be announced as the Chargers’ new head coach until later this week, but he already had a message for fans heading into next season.
In a stylized video that combines footage from Harbaugh’s time as a player with the Chargers with recent action clips from his current team, the popular head coach says Los Angeles is “where I want to be. You won’t find it anywhere else.”
The dramatic video was released across the Chargers’ social media platforms on Monday, days after the franchise made a potentially future-changing coaching hire.
“I know the universe is big and the world of football is big, but it’s really not that big,” Harbaugh begins, as dramatic music builds in the background and fans watch Harbaugh wearing Chargers powder blue. I took a look at it.
“There’s always a connection to the work I’ve done at every stage of my coaching career. Going back to the Chargers, the integrity was there. When I came here, it felt like home. I did.”
Harbaugh played two seasons with the Chargers in 1999 and 2000, when the Chargers were still in San Diego.
He appeared in 21 total games with the organization, throwing for 4,177 yards and 18 touchdowns.
He returned to the Chargers as head coach last season after winning a national title at Michigan, hoping to right the ship.
Harbaugh set expectations for how this Chargers team will operate in a 1-minute, 7-second video.
“It’s going to be a team, think about the family,” he said. “There will be incendiary devices. There will be leaders by example. That’s mainly what I’m doing. We’re going to attack them with a fervor unknown to humanity. And here’s what I’m saying. It’s where I want to be and not anywhere else.”
The hype video culminates as the music culminates with a clip of Harbaugh in Michigan’s locker room yelling, “Who’s better than us?”
It then cuts to a shot of Harbaugh, wearing new powder blue Chargers gear, looking into the camera and replying, “Nobody.”
Mr. Harbaugh’s expectations were very clear, and he made them known the day before. During an interview on CBS “There’s no Lombardi in college football,” he said, and he wanted to “put a crack in there.”
The Chargers’ new manager also said he has already spoken with quarterback Justin Herbert, wide receiver Keenan Allen and safety Derwin James Jr.
Harbaugh’s official inaugural press conference is scheduled for Thursday.
