Chargers' Khalil Mack Praises Jim Harbaugh: 'He's Not the Type of Dude to Lie to You'
Jan 9, 2025
INGLEWOOD, CA - DECEMBER 19: Khalil Mack #52 of the Los Angeles Chargers runs out of the tunnel prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos at SoFi Stadium on December 19, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Chargers star linebacker Khalil Mack was skeptical about the team hiring head coach Jim Harbaugh prior to the 2024 season, but he can admit that he was wrong as the team prepares for Saturday's AFC wild-card matchup against the Houston Texans.
Mack recounted a story to ESPN's Kris Rhim in which he and Harbaugh spoke on the phone after he was hired by the Chargers. The veteran wasn't completely sold on returning to Los Angeles after the team's five-win season in 2023.
"I ain't trying to play another six more years, then start piggybacking on motherf--kers, jumping on a playoff team and trying to chase one," Mack said. "I want to play meaningful football and I communicated that to him."
Instead of immediately trying to convince Mack to return, Harbaugh spoke candidly about the deficiencies within the Chargers roster and explained the improvements that are needed for the team to return to playoff contention.
"He's not the type of dude to lie to you. And I've been lied to before," Mack said. "I respected it, man."
Harbaugh helped lead the Chargers to an 11-6 record and the No. 5 seed in the AFC playoffs. Mack played in 16 games and recorded 39 total tackles, six sacks, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and nine passes defended. He was named to his ninth career Pro Bowl as a reserve.
The Chargers haven't advanced past the wild-card round since 2018, so they will be looking to get their playoff run started on the right foot when they face the Texans on Saturday.
Jim Harbaugh Hypes Ezekiel Elliott: 'Got Some Bruises from Days Competing Against' RB
Jan 8, 2025
ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 28: Running back Ezekiel Elliott #15 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates after rushing for a second quarter touchdown against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on November 28, 2015 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh knows what it's like to compete against Ezekiel Elliott, but the running back will be on his side heading into the NFL playoffs after the AFC West team signed the veteran.
"Yeah, like most people who watch football, very familiar," Harbaugh told reporters Tuesday when asked if he was familiar with Elliott. "And personally, I've got some bruises from days competing against Zeke. It's great to see him, he's here and we'll start having at it today."
Harbaugh's "bruises" came from the college game, as Elliott led Ohio State to a dominant 42-13 victory over the coach's Michigan Wolverines during the 2015 edition of the heated rivalry.
The star running back tallied 214 yards and two touchdowns on 30 carries and left little doubt about the outcome in Harbaugh's first game in the rivalry as the head coach of Michigan. The Buckeyes defeated the head coach in each of their first five meetings, although the Wolverines now have bragging rights following four straight wins of their own.
Elliott parlayed a dominant college career into becoming the No. 4 overall pick of the 2016 NFL draft. He led the league in rushing yards in two of his first three NFL seasons for the Dallas Cowboys and was on the short list of the best running backs in the league.
However, the 29-year-old hasn't resembled that version of himself of late and averaged just 3.1 yards per carry for the Cowboys in 2024 before he and the team went their separate ways.
Harbaugh may have memories of the dominant version of Elliott, but the Ohio State product will likely be nothing more than a backup behind J.K Dobbins and Hassan Haskins throughout the team's playoff run.
Video: Justin Herbert Says Jim Harbaugh Told Chargers He Remembers Day He Was Born
Jan 8, 2025
Inglewood, CA, Sunday, November 17, 2024 - Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh with Justin Herbert during pregame warmups before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at SoFi Stadium. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
It's not a secret that Jim Harbaugh is one of the most unique characters in all of sports, but Justin Herbert relayed a story about his head coach that added to the lore.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Herbert said he realized Harbaugh was different when he told him the story about remembering the day he was born and including specific details about what he saw.
QB Justin Herbert on the moment he realized Harbaugh was different: "I think when he talked about remembering the day he was born."
"He told us the whole story and he remembered looking out the window. And I think it was a cold snowy day. I really hope he does remember that." pic.twitter.com/OpJEIwzrKu
Harbaugh was born on Dec. 23, 1963, in Toledo, Ohio, near where his father was working as an assistant coach for the Perrysburg High School football team.
Per Extreme Weather Watch, the forecast in Toledo on Harbaugh's birthday included a high temperature of 28 degrees and 0.4 inches of snow.
Based on the story that Herbert relayed, Harbaugh's description of what it looked like outside is accurate. It's not exactly going out on a limb to say that it was cold and snowy in the midwest in late-December, but there was a three-day stretch earlier in the month when the temps were above 40 degrees.
For most human beings, it's a struggle to remember what you did yesterday because of how quickly things happen and the deluge of news that happens on a daily basis.
Harbaugh doesn't fall into the category of most human beings. He's a coach who joined his players running sprints when he was first hired as San Diego's head coach in 2004.
"He was full speed up the hill, turned to the left, threw up, got a little bit on his windbreaker on his shoulder and his arm, never broke stride, never said anything about it," former Toreros defensive end Eric Bakhtiari told ESPN's Kris Rhim. "He acted like nothing happened. It was like the vomit was an inconvenience to his goal."
If Harbaugh were in charge of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and could build a new food pyramid, it would only consist of milk, water and steak.
"I truly believe the No. 1 natural steroid is sleep and the No. 2 natural steroid is milk, whole milk, and three would be water," he once said in 2015. "Four would be steak."
For all of his eccentricities, Harbaugh has been wildly successful wherever he's been. The 61-year-old has only had three losing seasons in 21 years as a head coach between college and the NFL.
Harbaugh took over a Chargers team that finished 5-12 and had the No. 24 scoring defense in the NFL last season. They made the playoffs this year with an 11-6 record and the best scoring defense in the league.
The Chargers are looking for their first playoff win since the 2018 season when they take on the Houston Texans in the AFC Wild Card round on Saturday at NRG Stadium.
Derwin James: Harbaugh Gave Chargers 'Culture,' Don't Need To 'Go Talk on Twitter'
Dec 30, 2024
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 15: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Los Angeles Chargers stands for the national anthem next to Derwin James Jr. #3 and Justin Herbert #10 before a game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Chargers defeated the Panthers 26-3. (Kara Durrette/Getty Images)
Sixth-year Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James had high praise for Jim Harbaugh in his first season with the team, crediting him for instilling a strong culture within the Chargers organization.
"He gave us a culture," James told reporters, per Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer. "We know who we are when we look in the mirror. I feel like we're building that team that nobody wants to play. We don't have to rah-rah or go talk on Twitter. We're just going to continue to show how we play week in and week out. We're doing a great job with coach Harbaugh leading us."
In his first year, Harbaugh has led the team to a 10-6 record and secured a wild card spot, a significant turnaround from their 5-12 finish just one year ago.
Quarterback Justin Herbert echoed Derwin James' sentiments about the culture Harbaugh has fostered in the locker room this season.
"They have done such a great job of getting the right guys here. You look in the locker room and everybody plays for each other," Herbert told reporters post game, according to the Associated Press. "(Harbaugh's) a competitor, and he wants to win no matter what it is. It definitely shows, and it's the way everyone fights for him, wants to play for him, and respects him."
Harbaugh downplayed the sentiment from two of his star-players.
"Very little to do with me. If it goes right, then it's our players. They're doing a great job. It's gone bad a couple times. That's on me," Harbaugh said, per the Associated Press. "I've been drinking the Kool-Aid here from day one, I can't give enough credit to Derwin James, Justin Herbert, and those two in particular."
Jim Harbaugh: Chargers' Success 'Very Little to Do With Me' in 1st Season as HC
Dec 28, 2024
INGLEWOOD, CA - DECEMBER 19: Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh looks on from the sideline during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos at SoFi Stadium on December 19, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh didn't want to take credit for the team's success in his first year with the organization.
"Very little to do with me," Harbaugh told reporters on Saturday, via Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk. "If it goes right, then it's our players. They're doing a great job. It's gone bad a couple times. That's on me."
The Chargers improved to 10-6 with a dominant 40-7 win over the New England Patriots, clinching a playoff appearance after missing the postseason in 2023.
After winning a national championship with Michigan during the school's 2023 campaign, Harbaugh signed a five-year deal to become Los Angeles' next head coach on Jan. 24.
The Chargers made the playoffs during the 2022 season, but they fell far below expectations with a 5-12 finish in 2023 that saw the firing of head coach Brandon Staley before the year came to a close.
While Harbaugh may not be willing to take responsibility for Los Angeles' resurgent season, it's easy to see the impact he's had on the team.
The Chargers' 2022 playoff run was fueled by a high-powered passing attack led by Pro Bowl quarterback Justin Herbert. Even though Herbert has remained efficient in 2024, Los Angeles' defense has been stout throughout the course of the regular season.
Harbaugh's team has allowed a mere 17.6 points per game this year, which represents the No. 1 scoring defense in the NFL. The Chargers have also racked up 46 sacks, tied for the fourth-highest amount in the league.
The 61-year-old has some familiarity with instant success, as the San Francisco 49ers finished with a 13-3 record and advanced to the NFC Championship Game during his first year as a head coach in 2011.
The Chargers will hope that Harbaugh can continue to bring a similar level of postseason prosperity, as they'll now have an opportunity to win their first playoff game since 2018.
Jim Harbaugh Earns $1M Contract Bonus After Chargers Clinch NFL Playoff Bracket Spot
Dec 28, 2024
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 15: Head coach Jim Harbaugh and Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers embrace on field prior to game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at SoFi Stadium on December 15, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Head coach Jim Harbaugh secured a $1 million playoff bonus on Saturday after the Los Angeles Chargers clinched a wild-card spot with a 40-7 victory over the New England Patriots, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter:
By clinching a wild-card spot today, Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh collects a $1 million playoff bonus in his contract. pic.twitter.com/28XCURQYWp
It will be their first playoff appearance since 2022, when they lost 31-30 in the wild-card round to the Jacksonville Jaguars, after missing the postseason last year.
Harbaugh's bonus is well deserved, as he is the first coach in the Super Bowl era to take over two teams with losing records from the previous year and lead them to the playoffs in his first season, per the Associated Press' Josh Dubow. His other team was the San Francisco 49ers in 2011, who lost in the conference championship to the New Orleans Saints.
The former Wolverines coach has also made the playoffs four times in five seasons as an NFL coach, joining five other coaches who have reached the playoffs at least 80 percent of the time, including John Madden, per Dubow:
Jim Harbaugh has made the playoffs 4 times in 5 seasons as an NFL coach. Only other coaches in Super Bowl to make playoffs at least 80% of time (4+ seasons): Nick Sirianni 100% (4 of 4) Sean McDermott 87.5% (7 of 8) Tony Dungy 84.6% (11 of 13) Matt LaFleur 83.3% (5 of 6) John…
In Harbaugh's first season with the Chargers and his first back in the NFL since 2014, when he was head coach of the 49ers, he has guided the team to a 10-6 record with one game remaining.
Before spending four years in San Francisco, Harbaugh revitalized the Stanford Cardinal, improving their record from 4-8 in his first season to 12-1 in his final year. He also led them to a 40-12 victory over Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl.
Harbaugh and the Chargers are focused on securing the franchise's first playoff win since 2018. Before that, they will close out their season against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Jim Harbaugh Applauded by NFL Fans as Herbert, Chargers Clinch Playoffs, Beat Pats
Dec 28, 2024
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 28: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Los Angeles Chargers is seen on the field prior to a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 28, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Chargers cruised past the host New England Patriots 40-7 en route to clinch a playoff berth on Saturday.
The dominant performance cemented a tremendous one-season turnaround under first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh, who's worked his magic in college stops (San Diego, Stanford, Michigan) and the pros (San Francisco 49ers) before heading to L.A. from Ann Arbor and doing the same again.
The Bolts went 5-12 last year but have doubled their win total with one game to go under Harbaugh, whose efforts should have him under consideration for Coach of the Year.
As for Saturday, L.A. entered the afternoon in position to make the playoffs with a win, and the Bolts left no doubt in a rout.
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert completed 26-of-38 passes for 281 yards and three touchdowns. He's now No. 1 all-time in passing yards among quarterbacks in their first five seasons.
He connected with Derius Davis for a 23-yard touchdown in the first quarter to cap a 91-yard drive before finding rookie wideout Ladd McConkey for six-yard and 40-yard touchdowns in the second and third quarters, respectively.
Running back Rhamondre Stevenson notably had just one yard on two carries. Through the air, Pats rookie quarterback Drake Maye did little outside a 36-yard touchdown toss to Pop Douglas. For the day, he was 12-of-22 for 117 yards.
For the game, the Chargers outgained the Patriots 428-181. They had 29 first downs to New England's 11 and possessed the ball for 40:34.
Both teams went to the bench in the fourth quarter with the game no longer in doubt. During that frame, Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins (76 rushing yards) punched one last touchdown in.
In sum, it was an incredible victory for the Harbaugh-led Chargers, and fans recognized the head coach's phenomenal season most recently punctuated by this 33-point win.
This “win and in” game is the type of game that the Brandon Staley Chargers would drop.
The Jim Harbaugh Chargers, have us w/ our feet up relaxing to a 30-7 shellacking, as the Chargers are 1Q away from doubling their win total from last season & clinching a playoff berth. pic.twitter.com/GdYArY6jLN
Jim Harbaugh inherited an old roster with very few weapons and a big salary cap problem and brought them to the playoffs in his first year. The Bears weren’t interested in him though.
I couldn’t stand how high strung Harbaugh was with the 49ers but he’s always been a hell of a coach. I’m glad he’s on our side now. Chargers in the playoffs 😎#Chargers#BoltUp
Just a quick reminder this is Jim Harbaugh’s FIRST year as HC of the Chargers. Took over a team that was 5-12 last year with 75% roster that he did not install. Jim has the Chargers qualifying for the playoffs (10-6 atm) with one game left in the season. Coaching matters and if… pic.twitter.com/k95lSwdaJO
After a pitstop next week in Vegas, the Chargers will be back in the playoffs. A five-win team last season, Jim Harbaugh has orchestrated yet another one-year turnaround.
After missing the playoffs in 2023, the Los Angeles Chargers made a quick turnaround under first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh and will have the chance to compete for a spot in the Super Bowl once again.
The Chargers clinched a playoff berth on Saturday after defeating the host New England Patriots 40-7.Quarterback Justin Herbert threw for 281 yards and three touchdowns, and wide receiver Ladd McConkey caught eight passes for 94 yards and two scores.
Now that Los Angeles is the latest team to earn its spot in the postseason, let's take a look at the latest NFL standings and playoff matchups.
AFC Playoff Bracket
No. 1 Kansas City Chiefs (bye)
No. 7 Denver Broncos at No. 2 Buffalo Bills
No. 6 Los Angeles Chargers at No. 3 Baltimore Ravens
No. 5 Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 4 Houston Texans
NFC Playoff Bracket
No. 1 Detroit Lions (bye)
No. 7 Washington Commanders at No. 2 Philadelphia Eagles
No. 6 Green Bay Packers at No. 3 Los Angeles Rams
No. 5 Minnesota Vikings at No. 4 Atlanta Falcons
AFC Playoff Standings
1. Kansas City Chiefs: 15-1 (clinched AFC No. 1 seed)
6. Green Bay Packers: 11-4 (clinched playoff berth)
7. Washington Commanders: 10-5
8. Seattle Seahawks: 9-7
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 8-7
Eliminated
10. Dallas Cowboys: 7-8
11. Arizona Cardinals: 7-8
12. San Francisco 49ers: 6-9
13. New Orleans Saints: 5-10
14. Carolina Panthers: 4-11
15. Chicago Bears: 4-12
16. New York Giants: 2-13
When Harbaugh was hired to usher in a new era for the Chargers after the failed three-year run of Brandon Staley, many expected that he would be an instant difference-maker for a team that has enough talent to be a title contender.
Herbert is one of the best young signal-callers in the NFL, but he was coming off a disappointing 2023 campaign in which he was banged up throughout the year and limited to a career-low 13 games. The 26-year-old has managed to stay healthy this year and returned to form as an efficient and accurate passer. His 21-3 touchdown to interception ratio ranks second in the NFL behind only Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson.
The most impressive thing about Herbert's bounce-back year is that he's been able to excel with a lack of star power around him. Los Angeles got rid of multiple veterans this past offseason such as running back Austin Ekeler and receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams.
Still, Herbert developed connections with new faces like McConkey and former Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins to help propel the offense and put the Chargers in a position to contend for the playoffs.
The path to Super Bowl LIX won't be easy in the AFC, as the back-to-back reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs are looking to achieve the first three-peat in modern NFL history while other teams like the Buffalo Bills and Ravens are motivated to knock them from their perch.
Now, the Chargers are also in the mix, and they will be trying to surprise the masses as they chase a trip to New Orleans for the Super Bowl.
It's almost playoff time in the NFL, and the postseason field is coming into focus. With two weeks remaining in the regular season, only five of 14 playoff…
Justin Herbert, Jim Harbaugh Impress NFL Fans as Chargers Rally to Beat Nix, Broncos
Dec 20, 2024
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 19: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers throws a pass against the Denver Broncos during the first quarter in the game at SoFi Stadium on December 19, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Chargers scored 21 unanswered second-half points en route to a 34-27 comeback victory against the AFC West rival Denver Broncos on Thursday in L.A.'s SoFi Stadium.
Bolts quarterback Justin Herbert completed 23-of-31 passes for 284 yards, two touchdowns and one interception to lead the 9-6 Chargers, who find themselves on the doorstep of clinching an AFC Wild Card berth after this win.
Chargers running back Gus Edwards rushed for 68 yards and two touchdowns. His second score, from five yards out, cut the Broncos' lead to 24-19 in the third quarter.
L.A. missed the two-point conversion, but the Chargers then forced a three-and-out and marched 78 yards down the field capped by a beautiful 19-yard Herbert dime to Demario Davis.
The Chargers' defense continued its tremendous second half, stonewalling the Broncos on their next two possessions. L.A.'s offense then took care of business thanks to three big plays: a 16-yard Herbert scramble, a 43-yard Edwards run and a 34-yard flip pass to Hassan Haskins for a crucial touchdown with 2:27 remaining.
Denver snuck in a 55-yard Wil Lutz field goal with 57 seconds left, but the Chargers recovered the onside kick and ran out the clock to earn the win.
Credit, of course, goes to a Chargers defense that settled down after letting up three first-half touchdowns.
L.A. kicker Cameron Dicker also became the first player since 1976 to make a fair catch free kick, nailing one from 57 yards out to cut the Broncos' lead to 21-13 at halftime.
A rare fair catch free kick results in a Cameron Dicker 57-yard FG for the @Chargers 🤯
Herbert's performance guided L.A. to victory, but head coach Jim Harbaugh, in his first year with the Chargers, has successfully turned around a team that hasn't made the playoffs in six years.
There's a little more work to be done on that front, but in the meantime, Herbert and Harbaugh received well-deserved praise.
Huge night from Justin Herbert. Really fun team that I’ve enjoyed watching all season but hard to not have an eye toward next year when they add a few more pieces on offense.
Man, what a performance from the Chargers. Down 21-10, Broncos had look unstoppable. Defense settled in and got far more aggressive at the LOS to plug the run and hassle Bo. Herbert has been nails under duress. Statement comeback.
Chargers move to 9-6, and need one more win to get into the playoffs with the Patriots and Raiders up next (they could get in before then, too, if the Dolphins and Colts lose on Sunday). Jim Harbaugh's got his team on the brink of a postseason berth in Year 1.
I think the biggest impact to this team under Harbaugh is ENERGY. But you know what I think the second biggest is???? GOOD HALFTIME ADJUSTMENTS. Having a team that can make appropriate halftime adjustments is LIFE CHANGING. #BoltUp#NFL ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️ pic.twitter.com/ndvtnG2Kwi
think this was easily the best coached game of the year by the Chargers. masterclass by Jesse Minter. Ryan Ficken knowing the free kick laws. Jim Harbaugh managing the game correctly. Greg Roman scheming up 34 points on the #1 defense in the league. big spot for it. good shit
This is how you know Harbaugh has an impact. Almost every other year in Chargers history they would’ve fumbled, gotten sacked, found some absurd way to lose this game. Or they would’ve given up well before then.
L.A. can get to the playoffs in a few different ways, but at this very moment, it's win-and-in for the Bolts. The Chargers will be heavily favored in their last two games at the 3-11 New England Patriots and 2-12 Las Vegas Raiders. The Pats are up first on Saturday, Dec. 28 at 1 p.m. ET.
