Jim Harbaugh is headed west again.
The title-winning Michigan coach is back in the NFL and back on the west coast, where he first made his name as a collegiate coach and later as an NFL head coach. Harbaugh agreed to become the next head coach of the Chargers on Wednesday, inking a five-year deal to coach Justin Herbert and Co.
Harbaugh not only has coached out west, but he’s played out west. It’s easy to forget Harbaugh carved out a long career as an NFL quarterback before he entered the coaching ranks, and that career already gives him a connection to his new franchise.
MORE: Why Jim Harbaugh left Michigan for Chargers
Here’s a look back at Harbaugh’s stint with the Chargers during his playing career.
Did Jim Harbaugh play for the Chargers?
Harbaugh spent his final two NFL seasons with the Chargers, playing for the franchise in 1999 and 2000.
meant to be. pic.twitter.com/407vqaRvyl
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) January 25, 2024
The Chargers were still based in San Diego at the time, and Harbaugh would return to the city in 2004 to become head coach at the University of San Diego.
The Chargers signed Harbaugh to be the backup to Ryan Leaf in 1999, but Leaf suffered a season-ending injury in training camp and Harbaugh would start 12 of the team’s 16 games. Harbaugh’s passing production was unimpressive, as he completed 57.4 percent of passes for 2,761 yards, 10 interceptions and 14 interceptions, but he managed to go .500 (6-6).
Harbaugh made only five starts for the Chargers in 2000, losing all five while tossing eight touchdowns and 10 interceptions. San Diego would finish just 1-15, so problems extended well beyond Harbaugh.
The NFL veteran spent training camp with the Lions in 2001 and was with the Panthers for a portion of the season, but his final appearance with the Chargers was ultimately his final taste of on-field action.
Jim Harbaugh stats with Chargers
Season Starts Record CMP% Yards TD INT 1999 12 6-6 57.4 2,761 10 14 2000 5 0-5 60.9 1,416 8 10
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Jim Harbaugh NFL stats
Starts Record CMP% Yards TD INT 140 66-74 58.8 26,288 129 117
Harbaugh spent 14 seasons in the NFL, splitting his first 11 seasons between the Bears and Colts. He started 140 regular season games and five playoff games, reaching the AFC championship with Indianapolis in 1995.
Harbaugh sits 75th all-time in passing yards with 26,288, ahead of notable names such as Jim Plunkett, Joe Theismann, Bart Starr, Archie Manning and Andrew Luck.
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