Jim Harbaugh brought a national title to Michigan before he left to become the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, but it sounds like winning a championship with his new team would mean just a little bit more.
Harbaugh, the younger brother of Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, attended Sunday’s AFC Championship Game between the Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs. In an interview with CBS before kickoff, Jim spoke briefly about his decision to leave his alma mater to return to the NFL. He mentioned how the NFL has one thing that college football does not — the Lombardi Trophy.
“It was tough. I was torn,” Harbaugh said. “I love Michigan, but I love the NFL, too. There’s no Lombardi Trophy in college football.”
That quote says a lot, especially since Harbaugh is just weeks removed from capturing college football’s most coveted prize. The difference between Harbaugh and many other coaches is that Harbaugh played in the NFL and dreamed of winning a Super Bowl. He clearly has not given up on that goal, which is why his NFL return was inevitable.
Harbaugh also praised the Chargers organization and said he was “star struck” when he met his new quarterback, Justin Herbert. You can hear more below:
“I love Michigan, but I love the NFL too. There’s no Lombardi Trophy in college football.” – Jim Harbaugh on leaving Michigan for the @Chargers pic.twitter.com/Gbc9U1ysvq
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) January 28, 2024
Harbaugh coached the San Francisco 49ers for four seasons from 2011 to 2014. He led the team to a Super Bowl appearance and two NFC Championship Games. The fact that he got so close to getting his hands on the Lombardi Trophy probably contributed to his desire to return to the NFL.
