Does Jim Harbaugh already have the Los Angeles Chargers‘ head coaching job wrapped up? While reports have suggested Harbaugh is ready to leave the University of Michigan and return to the NFL, he might have competition for the Bolts’ position.
Where do things stand in the Chargers’ head coaching search following reports that Pete Carroll and Mike Vrabel — both let go by their respective teams earlier this month — could be interested in heading to Los Angeles?
The Chargers Might Be Close To Hiring a Head Coach
Harbaugh is conducting a second interview with the Chargers on Tuesday after initially meeting with the club’s search committee on Jan. 15. Los Angeles can hire Harbaugh at any time, so there’s a chance the two sides agree on a deal later today.
The Chargers have made an “extremely strong offer” to Harbaugh, according to NFL Network. Harbaugh reportedly has a contract extension in hand from Michigan but is believed to be seriously interested in coming back to the NFL.
Harbaugh interviewed for head coaching jobs with the Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings over the past two offseasons, ultimately remaining with the Wolverines. His meetings with L.A. are thought to be in good faith and are not being viewed as a Harbaugh negotiating tactic, per NFLN.
The former San Francisco 49ers HC might already be considering what his next coaching staff will look like. Sources told Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 that Harbaugh could hire longtime lieutenant Greg Roman as OC, bring Michigan DC Jesse Minter along in the same role, and add his son Jay as special teams coordinator.
Harbaugh, 60, has also interviewed with the Atlanta Falcons and is expected to meet with owner Arthur Blank and Co. again this week. He is not a candidate for vacant positions with the Carolina Panthers, Seattle Seahawks, or Washington Commanders.
While the Chargers may not let Harbaugh get on his flight to Atlanta without striking a deal, the Bolts may have other candidates in mind.
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Carroll is trying to get involved in Los Angeles’ coaching search, according to Pro Football Talk. Seattle forced Carroll out as its head coach after 14 seasons, moving him into an advisory role.
But the 72-year-old Carroll didn’t seem ready to give up the job at his final press conference, suggesting that he fought to stay as the Seahawks’ head coach. With GM John Schneider running the show in Seattle, Carroll’s advisor title could be a figurehead-type gig.
Carroll, of course, won multiple national titles as USC’s head coach from 2001 to 2009, so returning to southern California could be a natural transition if he’s not ready to retire.
Vrabel is also “in the mix” for the Chargers’ job, per PFT. He initially interviewed with Los Angeles on Jan. 15, and there’s been no report of a second meeting on the books. Vrabel is also a candidate for the Falcons’ job and is expected to interview with Atlanta this week.
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That’s three established head coaches interested in guiding the Chargers, which shouldn’t necessarily come as a surprise. While Los Angeles has salary cap concerns, the opportunity to work with QB Justin Herbert made the Chargers the most attractive opening on the board.
But the Bolts are hardly limiting their options. Los Angeles has interviewed 15 candidates — more than any other team with a head coaching vacancy during this year’s hiring cycle.
Former Cincinnati Bengals OC Brian Callahan is now unavailable after accepting the Tennessee Titans’ HC role, but every other candidate on the Chargers’ list is still up for grabs.
Los Angeles still needs to hire a general manager and has interviewed another 11 candidates for that role. If the Chargers hire a high-profile coach like Harbaugh, Carroll, or Vrabel, the new HC may get to pick their own GM. But if L.A. goes with an inexperienced head coach, the team may want to bring in a grizzled personnel man.
The Chargers still have a lot of balls in the air, but a resolution could be coming soon.
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