Jim Harbaugh

Los Angeles Chargers center Bradley Bozeman stuck up for his quarterback and was rewarded for it on Sunday.

Bozeman earned a game ball from head coach Jim Harbaugh and was celebrated by his teammates after responding to unnecessary roughness committed by New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd against Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert with a big hit of his own, per ESPN's Kris Rhim.

everybody gets a game ball pic.twitter.com/7aeTqLZkUt

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) October 28, 2024

In the second quarter of the Chargers' 26-8 win over the Saints, Herbert's legs were wrapped up by Shepherd after he had already completed a pass. Bozeman responded by shoving Shepherd into the ground, with both players picking up unnecessary roughness penalties.

"It was probably one of the dirtier plays I've ever seen," Bozeman said, via Rhim. "You protect your quarterback no matter what. And I think any of our offensive linemen that was in my position would've done the same thing."

#Chargers C Bradley Bozeman on Saints DL Nathan Shepherd's hit on QB Justin Herbert, "it was probably one of the dirtier plays I've ever seen."

Bozeman added, "Protect your quarterback no matter what." pic.twitter.com/YJbbOEDcRX

— Fernando Ramirez (@RealFRamirez) October 28, 2024

Herbert has been able to suit up in all seven of Los Angeles' contests this season, but he's been hampered by a right ankle sprain that he suffered in Week 2. While Harbaugh didn't necessarily agree with Bozeman's response, he didn't blame him for retaliating, either.

"Everybody knows Justin's got a bad ankle," Harbaugh said. "I don't blame [Bozeman]. I don't encourage it at all, but I don't blame him."

Bozeman has earned an overall grade of just 53.7 from Pro Football Focus in his first season with the Chargers, but he's allowed just one sack in 198 pass-blocking snaps.

Regardless of his play on the field, the 29-year-old endeared himself to his coaching staff and teammates by defending Herbert on Sunday.

Following the Los Angeles Chargers' 17-15 loss against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday night, fans criticized head coach Jim Harbaugh for the lack of offensive effort in a game where the Chargers failed to score any touchdowns.

After a lack-luster offensive game for both sides, Chad Ryland sealed the win for Arizona with a 32-yard field goal:

CARDS WIN. CARDS WIN. CARDS WIN. CARDS WIN. CARDS WIN. pic.twitter.com/XJu4ndtUZH

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) October 22, 2024

Kyler Murray and the Cardinals improved to 3-4 on the season, while the Chargers dropped to 3-3 in Harbaugh's first season with the team.

After scoring just six points in the first half, all by field goal kicker Cameron Dicker, quarterback Justin Herbert completed 27-of-39 passes for 349 yards with no turnovers. Tight end Will Dissly added 81 yards with eight receptions.

this throw. this catch.

📺 | @ESPNPlus pic.twitter.com/BGoX4fEaI4

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) October 22, 2024

On the other side of the ball, Murray completed 14-of-26 passes for 145 yards, with one touchdown and one interception.

Harbaugh and the Chargers have faced criticism all season for their conservative play-calling and the lack of talent surrounding their team's franchise quarterback both at the receiving end and in its offensive line. Herbert was sacked three times on 13 hurries with 12 incompletions, not many of which were his fault.

dicker again pic.twitter.com/01tFMQYhaJ

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) October 22, 2024

Specifically on Monday night, Harbaugh faced criticism for his decision to bring out Dicker for a fourth-and-3 play at the beginning of the fourth quarter. Fans would have fully supported going for it with Herbert at the helm, as he converted 15-of-32 fourth-down attempts last season.

As the Chargers fall to an even record on the season, Los Angeles fans remain unimpressed with Harbaugh in his first year back in the NFL since 2014 and took to social media to criticize him.

Jim Harbaugh told everyone who would listen that he loves Justin Herbert’s game so much, and gives him Greg Roman as an OC and zero receivers.

The irony is staggering, truly a decision!

— Dalton Pence (@dpence_) October 22, 2024

When I see what Harbaugh and Roman have done to Justin Herbert’s stats: pic.twitter.com/ncHou7Tx1k

— Fantasy Philosopher (@FFrealitycheck) October 22, 2024

Jim Harbaugh has been a bad game manager this season. like really bad

— alex katson 🇯🇵 (@alexkatson) October 22, 2024

https://twitter.com/BuccaneerMick/status/1848550975893541330

Some of the ball placement on these incomplete passes are incredible by Justin Herbert

— JP Acosta (@acosta32_jp) October 22, 2024

Justin Herbert with back-to-back perfect passes to his TEs but both were dropped. Tough catches, but the ball hit their hands on each play.

Herbert legitimately doing everything he can.

— Michael Peterson (@ZoneTracks) October 22, 2024

Jim Harbaugh doesn't trust Justin Herbert to get three yards?

— Alterraun⚡ (@Hockfan445) October 22, 2024

this is the ultimate Justin Herbert game: he's playing out of his mind and they have 4 field goals

— Gregg Rosenthal (@greggrosenthal) October 22, 2024

https://twitter.com/billdifilippo/status/1848563896036049088

Next Sunday, the Chargers will seek redemption as they face the 2-5 New Orleans Saints at home.

Not everyone can turn an atrial flutter into an opportunity to brag about their heart, but Jim Harbaugh is a very unique person.

The Los Angeles Chargers head coach told reporters his cardiologist told him he has "the heart of an athlete" during an appointment on Wednesday.

"He said stress test was really good, too. I think he used the word 'incredible', I think he did," Harbaugh added. "That my stamina was incredible and heart got stronger as it was more stressed. Back in rhythm, hopefully that sticks. Got the monitor on. Good news, I took that as a compliment. Blue twisted steel. Feel good about that."

Harbaugh left the sideline during the first quarter of Sunday's win over the Denver Broncos. He returned a short time later and said at his postgame press conference he had an "atrial flutter" that previously affected him during a Monday night game when he coached the San Francisco 49ers in 2012.

HC Jim Harbaugh says he had an "atrial flutter" episode today and that his heart got back into normal rhythm after he walked off the field.

He jokes: "I am medically qualified to talk about it."

"2-0 with arrythmias."-he says he had another one during a MNF game in SF. pic.twitter.com/qb0NzvXPbg

— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) October 13, 2024

Harbaugh said on Monday he would be wearing a heart monitor for the next two weeks, along with taking a blood thinner and another medication that will prevent his heart rate from spiking.

There's no indication at this point that Harbaugh will need any sort of procedure right now, but he explained he could require one in the future. The 60-year-old previously had an ablation procedure in 1999 and 2012.

Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter filled in as head coach against the Broncos while Harbaugh was in the locker room.

Harbaugh made his way back to the field to see the Chargers earn a 23-16 victory that improved their record to 3-2. They will play the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Week 7 on Monday Night Football.

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh experienced a medical scare and had to temporarily leave Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos because of an atrial flutter, so he is taking the necessary steps moving forward.

Per ESPN's Kris Rhim, Harbaugh said Monday he will wear a heart monitor for two weeks and also take a blood thinner and other medication.

"It would take my heart stopping for me not to be out there on the sideline," he said.

Rhim explained the 60-year-old saw a cardiologist Monday and was told he may need to undergo a medical procedure in the future even though there is no immediate need for one.

Harbaugh underwent an ablation in 1999 and 2012. The ablation procedure destroys heart tissue causing an irregular heartbeat through the use of heat or cold.

He went to the locker room in the first quarter of Sunday's game and underwent an electrocardiogram scan. When his heart returned to a more typical rhythm, he returned to the sidelines.

Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter served as the interim head coach when Harbaugh was in the locker room.

Minter is familiar with Harbaugh and the head coach's system, as he was also the defensive coordinator for Michigan during the 2022 and 2023 campaigns. Harbaugh coached the Wolverines for nine years before joining the Chargers this past offseason.

Fortunately for Los Angeles, the coach returned and helped lead the team to a 23-16 victory over the division-rival Broncos.

Justin Herbert threw for 237 yards, one touchdown and zero interceptions, while J.K. Dobbins ran for 96 yards and a score. The defense also forced two turnovers and held Denver scoreless until the fourth quarter.

Next up for the Chargers is a Monday Night Football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 7.

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh had a slight scare early in Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos when he had to briefly leave the sidelines for a medical issue.

After returning to the game, Harbaugh told AJ Ross of CBS Sports that he was "dealing with arrhythmia," and it's something he's dealt with "on and off for a while."

"He said he was dealing with arrhythmia — that's something he's been dealing with on and off for a while."@AJRoss_TV spoke to Jim Harbaugh about briefly leaving today's game pic.twitter.com/zAkQkpESoy

— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) October 13, 2024

The coach provided more details while talking to reporters after the game:

HC Jim Harbaugh says he had an "atrial flutter" episode today and that his heart got back into normal rhythm after he walked off the field.

He jokes: "I am medically qualified to talk about it."

"2-0 with arrythmias."-he says he had another one during a MNF game in SF. pic.twitter.com/qb0NzvXPbg

— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) October 13, 2024

Harbaugh was examined in the blue medical tent before walking back to the locker room with trainers. The Chargers initially announced that Harbaugh was questionable to return to the game due to an illness. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter served as interim head coach in his brief absence.

An arrhythmia, or an irregular heartbeat, is described by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute as "a problem with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat. Your heart may beat too quickly, too slowly, or with an irregular rhythm." The condition is treatable by medication or procedures, but if it goes untreated, it can have life-threatening consequences.

Harbaugh is known for his high energy, and the Chargers gave him much to be excited about by jumping out to a 23-0 lead over the first three quarters of Sunday's game. Los Angeles appears to be on the verge of ending a two-game skid and improving to 3-2.

Harbaugh is in his first season back in the NFL after serving as head coach at Michigan for the last nine years and leading the team to the 2023 national championship. Chargers fans are certainly hoping that his pedigree for success will bring fortune to a team that has missed the playoffs in four of the last five years.

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh is "disappointed" in the NFL's decision to suspend safety Derwin James Jr. for one game for "repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players," with the capper being a tackle leading to helmet-to-helmet contact on Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth last Sunday.

"He genuinely does not want to hurt any other player and the film is Exhibit A," Harbaugh said Wednesday, per Daniel Popper of The Athletic.

"(The tackles) have been, in my opinion, as I've looked at the tape, exactly what you would want somebody (to do), what the league is trying to get to, which is take the head out of the game. But you can't ever really take the head out of the game because it's in between the two shoulders."

Jon Runyan, the NFL's Vice President of Policy and Rules Administration, had this to say on the matter to James.

Officially, Derwin James is suspended for forcible contact with his helmet. From NFL executive Jon Runyan to James: https://t.co/t919WkmbTl pic.twitter.com/EDw1AKrdjn

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 23, 2024

James appealed the suspension, but the ruling was upheld by hearing officer Derrick Brooks.

After his team's 20-10 road loss, James was asked about the play, which led to a 15-yard penalty for unnecessary roughness.

"Like I said, I don't want to keep the drive going," he told reporters. "I'm trying to get the guy on the ground. I don't feel like I hit him in the head or neck, but we'll look at it."

Per Joe Reedy of the Associated Press, James "has five unnecessary roughness penalties in his last 18 games, the most in the league by a defensive player." In addition, those penalties have all "involved blows to the head of an opponent with his shoulder or helmet."

Before the latest infraction, James was fined five times for a total of $127,792. They were for unnecessary roughness (2018), excessive facemask (2018) and hits to a defenseless receiver (one in 2022, two in 2023).

James is now suspended without pay for one game, costing him $708,333, per Spotrac.

As for Harbaugh, the coach defended the two-time First Team All-Pro on Wednesday, and that follows up his remarks in defense of James on Monday.

"Derwin's going to keep doing Derwin," Harbaugh said, per Popper. "He has found that sweet spot of playing very aggressively and within the rules, all at the same time. That's what I've noticed. And he showed it yesterday. … He's doing everything that he should and can be doing."

Regardless of his stance, James will be out for Week 4, which is an important AFC West matchup against the 3-0 Kansas City Chiefs. Kickoff is set for 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday.

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, who suffered a right high-ankle sprain on Sept. 15 versus the Carolina Panthers before sustaining an aggravation of that injury on Sept. 22 at the Pittsburgh Steelers, is out of a walking boot.

Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh relayed that news to reporters on Wednesday, per Daniel Popper of The Athletic. He also said that Herbert's Monday MRI showed he is "progressing."

Despite the positive outlook, Herbert noted there has been discussion about sitting out and resting until the bye week: The quarterback broke down the situation Wednesday:

#Chargers QB Justin Herbert told reporters there has been talk about resting him until the bye, but he "doesn’t think that’s the way we’re heading."

Herbert said he feels "less pain" and was able to do some 7-on-7 work today. A sign his setback didn't set him back much.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 25, 2024

The Chargers face the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4 before a Week 5 bye.

Herbert previously dealt with a plantar fascia injury to his right foot during training camp and spent two weeks in a walking boot in early August. He was good to go for the regular season, though.

Unfortunately, Herbert suffered the sprain during a 26-3 road win over the Panthers. He practiced just once before the team's 20-10 loss to the Steelers but still started. However, Harbaugh removed Herbert from the game soon after a third quarter sack by Elandon Roberts.

Herbert was seen in a walking boot postgame. He told reporters (h/t Kris Rhim of ESPN) postgame that he was "getting sore" throughout the Steelers game but the pain got worse post-sack.

The question now is whether Herbert will be able to go for a crucial AFC West matchup against the defending back-to-back Super Bowl champion Chiefs, who have started the season 3-0.

If not, then the Chargers turn to Taylor Heinecke, who replaced Herbert in the Steelers game. L.A. also has Easton Stick on the roster.

But for now, Herbert's situation is worth monitoring as Sunday's game gets closer.

Los Angeles also has other concerns. Offensive tackle Joe Alt has a right MCL sprain and is likely out for the Chiefs matchup, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Fellow OT Rashawn Slater is expected out with a strained pectoral, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. And edge-rusher Joey Bosa (hip) is dealing with an aggravation of an injury that forced him to leave the Steelers game.

Overall, the Chargers are dealing with numerous injuries this week. Rhim provided more details.

Not at Chargers practice

Justin Herbert (ankle)
Joe Alt (knee)
Rashawn Slater (pectoral)
Trey Pipkins
Ja’Sir Taylor
Junior Colson (hamstring)
Joey Bosa (hip)
Otito Ogbonnia
Derwin James

— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) September 25, 2024

Chargers safety Derwin James is also suspended one game for "repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players," capped by his hit on Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth.

So L.A. could very well go into Sunday very shorthanded. Kickoff for the game is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters on Monday that X-rays on the lower right leg of star quarterback Justin Herbert came back negative, per Daniel Popper of The Athletic.

"I'm sure there'll be further evaluations as the week goes on," Harbaugh added.

Herbert told reporters he "got rolled up" following a fumble in the second quarter of Sunday's 26-3 win, though he was able to finish the game.

Injuries have become a bit of a theme for Herbert in recent months.

The 26-year-old suffered a plantar fascia injury to his right foot during the team's training camp in late July that sidelined him for the team's preparations ahead of the 2024 campaign. It was a big blow, considering he and his teammates were learning a new offense with Jim Harbaugh installed as the head coach in the offseason.

The veteran quarterback was also familiarizing himself with a number of new weapons after Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and Austin Ekeler departed this offseason. That process was halted due to the injury.

Harbaugh told reporters in early August the preparations remained "full steam ahead" even with Herbert unable to practice.

"The preparation, the work continues," he added. "He's not on the field, in practice, but in the meeting room, still in the training environment, that chemistry, that rapport you build with those position players, with his teammates, that continues."

It's been a tough half-year or so for Herbert, who saw his 2023 season cut short after fracturing his right index finger in Week 14. He had started 62 straight games before that, throwing for at least 4,300 yards and 25 touchdowns in each of his first three campaigns.

Last year, missed time and the team's struggles in general led to a more muted 3,134 yards, 20 touchdowns, seven interceptions, 65.1 completion percentage and a 5-8 record. All of those marks, outside of the interceptions, were career worsts.

Harbaugh's hiring offered a fresh start, though losing practice time ahead of the season while installing a new offense was hardly ideal. The Chargers have started 2-0, however, a positive start.

If Herbert is forced to miss time, Easton Stick will assume starting duties. He threw for 1,129 yards, three touchdowns and an interception while completing 63.8 percent of his passes in five appearances last year, though the team went 0-4 in his four starts. The hope will be that any cameo in the 2024 season, if needed, is short-lived.

The biggest fan of Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert might be his head coach Jim Harbaugh.

Harbaugh told reporters Friday that he asked the Chargers equipment staff this week to give him the same sneakers Herbert wears, per Daniel Popper of The Athletic.

"There's not a gene in his body I wouldn't immediately trade for," Harbaugh said.

Herbert went 17-of-26 for 144 yards and a touchdown last Sunday to lead his team to a 22-10 win over the Las Vegas Raiders in Harbaugh's Chargers debut.

guys will see this and go hell yeah pic.twitter.com/zvYrTdGWld

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) September 8, 2024

Harbaugh was effusive in his praise of Herbert during Friday media availability ahead of the Chargers' Sunday contest against the Carolina Panthers.

"I love guys that love football," Harbaugh told reporters. "Guys that love football, they love you back. And there's no doubt Justin loves football... he loves competing. He's such a fierce competitor.

"As a coach, the way he sees things, the way he understands every nuance of the position and the game and the other positions, man, I want to be best friends with him. And really, I can't imagine anybody, I cannot imagine anybody— If you don't love Justin Herbert, then there's something wrong with you."

Jim Harbaugh on Justin Herbert:
“If you don’t love Justin Herbert, there’s something wrong with you.” pic.twitter.com/jotDYpPaiI

— Ryan DePaul (@RyanDePaul) September 13, 2024

Harbaugh hyping up the Chargers' quarterback is nothing new. During this offseason the former Michigan coach has praised both Herbert's athleticism, which Harbaugh said could allow the quarterback to succeed as a tight end or an edge rusher, and his brain, which Harbaugh described as a "computer chip" because of the "impressive" way he can process information.

Herbert has also complimented his new coach, who spent 14 years as an NFL quarterback between 1987 and 2000 and is now a frequent presence in the Chargers' quarterback room, per Thuc Nhi Nguyen of the Los Angeles Times.

"He's done such a great job asking questions, giving his input that we really feel comfortable with how we want this offense run," Herbert said about Harbaugh after last Sunday's win, per Nguyen. "We know that our quarterbacks are well prepared for the game."

Herbert is three seasons removed from his sole Pro Bowl campaign for the Chargers in 2021. Harbaugh will hope to help his quarterback return to that level of production as he leads Los Angeles into this weekend's road game.

Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore was hired in January to replace Jim Harbaugh after he departed for the NFL, but his status took nearly nine months to become official.

On Wednesday, Michigan announced that Moore signed his contract to officially become the team's head coach.

Statements from University of Michigan Leadership#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/C2pWTXL1lr

— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) September 11, 2024

Per Brock Heilig of Rivals.com, Moore previously worked under a memorandum of agreement (MOA) after being hired in January. His first year at the helm is off to a tough start, as Michigan is 1-1 after suffering a disappointing 31-12 loss to Texas last weekend. The loss dropped the Wolverines seven spots to No. 17 in the AP Top 25.

Still, Michigan didn't hesitate to officially sign Moore after concerns arose following the revelation that he was not working under a full contract.

"We are excited to announce that the full contract for University of Michigan Football Coach Sherrone Moore has been signed by all parties," Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said in a statement. "He is a proven leader and has been a great ambassador during his seven-plus years representing Michigan. Our university and athletic department leadership is behind Coach Moore, his coaching staff and the great student-athletes that compete on the field and in the classroom. We are excited to see our team take the field this Saturday against Arkansas State."

Moore, who served as Harbaugh's offensive coordinator, took over as head coach for the final three games of the regular season in 2023 when Harbaugh was suspended for Michigan's sign-stealing scandal. He led the Wolverines to three straight wins before returning to his role as offensive coordinator for the postseason, helping Michigan complete an undefeated season that included a Big Ten championship and a national title.

"Our University of Michigan administration led by President Santa Ono and Athletic Director Warde Manuel has been tremendous throughout this process, and I am excited to have this full contract completed," Moore said in a statement. "Their support for our team is greatly appreciated and all three of us are aligned in our goals for this football program."

Moore will try to get Michigan back on track when it returns to action at home against Arkansas State on Saturday.