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If you’re a sports fan, you no doubt witnessed the exchange of respectful banter, between former NFL defensive back turned legendary sportscaster, Jim Hill and former Chargers quarterback turned legendary coach Jim Harbaugh. The video replayed on CBS affiliate sports broadcasts this past Thursday evening.
Fresh off of a resounding undefeated season as head coach of the University of Michigan, Coach Harbaugh flirted with the Atlanta Falcons as well as the Chargers as he considered a return to the NFL. The media gathered in the YouTube Theater, adjacent to the Chargers’ home field on the grounds of the SoFi stadium. A beaming Chargers’ owner and Chairman of the board, Dean Spanos stood by as we all watched a spectacular video that followed some of the highlights of Jim Harbaugh’s storied career both as an NFL quarterback and a championship winning college coach. After the video, he walked us through some of the vetting and collaborative process that led up to the hand shake and the decision to bring us all together at this press event.
Head of football operations, John Spanos was introduced and he too shared a bit of insight, leading up to the official welcome, including the conclusion to the search for the new general manager, Joe Hortiz. Having just arrived in town, Mr. Hortiz is set to meet the press this following Tuesday.
When you think of a coach, you might envision a super jock, capable of imagining and quoting a playbook. Head Coach9⁹ Harbaugh displayed a far greater range of personality and character than the typical three minute engagements at the end of an afternoon college football game. Jim Harbaugh gave us a great 45 minutes stream of thought including extemporaneous, Q and A, starting with the previously mentioned banter with the legendary Jim Hill.
Much of the questioning from the press leaned into the idea of uncharted playbook strategies, but Harbaugh explained that until he gets together with the team, any strategies beyond faith, family and football would be wild speculation. This early in the game there are no plans for broad, sweeping changes in the overall team direction. The current plan is simple. Hard work.
My most urgent question only echoed those being relayed to Coach Harbaugh concerning the future of his now former Michigan coaching staff. It was confirmed that some of Michigan staff, including Jay Harbaugh are presently in talks with Chargers management, and are expected to bring at least some vestiges of the Michigan game philosophy to LA.
In full disclosure, today’s events can only energize my Buckeyes chances next year.
Welcome to Los Angeles and Inglewood, coach Harbaugh.
