Jim Harbaugh has landed a little bragging rights in the family business.
In CBS Sports’ latest ranking of the NFL’s best head coaches, the Los Angeles Chargers coach came in at No. 7, while his brother, New York Giants coach John Harbaugh, fell short of the top 10 and landed in the “also receiving votes” group.
The ranking, published Monday by Zachary Pereles, was put together by votes from multiple CBS NFL experts that were tallied into the final list. Jim’s spot puts him firmly among the league’s elite, and the write-up leaned heavily on what he’s already built.
“Harbaugh's .679 career win percentage speaks for itself; it's a top-10 rate ever and second among active coaches behind only the Eagles' Nick Sirianni,” Pereles said. “A former quarterback, Harbaugh is taking a big leap of faith this year after parting ways with longtime offensive coordinator/confidant Greg Roman and bringing in Mike McDaniel, who could not be in a starker juxtaposition.”
John Harbaugh, meanwhile, was not included in the top 10 despite having won a Super Bowl. The piece pointed to his situation with a new franchise this season and a rebuild as part of why he didn’t crack the list.
The changes around Jim Harbaugh’s staff are part of what makes this season such a compelling one. Mike McDaniel is stepping in at offensive coordinator, and Chris O'Leary is also set to be an interesting addition on the defensive side.
For now, the scoreboard in the Harbaugh household favors Jim.
In Other News...
Chargers Rookie Already Facing Pressure In A Crucial Week 1 Battle
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For now, though, the picture is not as clean as the optimism around him. Slaughter is spending time at center as well as guard, and there is already outside skepticism about whether he can claim an immediate starting job in time. With other options in the mix, the real test for the rookie is not just learning one spot, but proving he can force his way into the first-team conversation. [Read more 🡒]
Justin Herbert May Finally Get What The Chargers Offense Has Lacked
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Now hes pairing with new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, whose approach is built around quicker throws and taking pressure off the quarterback. McDaniels previous offenses in Miami did that well, ranking near the top of the league in limiting quarterback pressure while also generating efficient production on a play-by-play basis. For a team hoping Herbert can be more protected and the offense more sustainable, that philosophy is the kind of change the Chargers have been waiting for. [Read more 🡒]
Chargers Tight End Overhaul Could Become A Real Weapon For Justin Herbert
The Chargers spent the offseason reworking the tight end room in a way that could change how Justin Herbert is supported on Sundays. They brought in Charlie Kolar and David Njoku, then added Oronde Gadsden II in the draft after Pro Football Focus analysts ranked him 23rd among tight ends. Gadsden arrives with a promising rookie rsum, including 664 receiving yards and 49 catches, while Kolar was brought in to help shore up the blocking side of the position.
Mike McDaniels arrival as offensive coordinator gives the overhaul a clearer purpose, since the Chargers clearly want to lean into the different things each tight end can do. If the group settles in quickly, Herbert could have a more varied set of options than he has had in recent seasons, with pass-catching ability and in-line help both available in the same room. The only real question now is how much of that new structure turns into a consistent weekly advantage once the games start. [Read more 🡒]