Jim Harbaugh: Chargers' Success 'Very Little to Do With Me' in 1st Season as HC

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.