Jim Harbaugh’s return to the NFL has been nothing short of a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and tactical adaptability. The Los Angeles Chargers have taken hit after hit this season-injuries, inconsistency, and a brutal schedule-but somehow, they’re still standing tall at 11-4, with a shot to win the AFC West. And make no mistake: Harbaugh is the driving force behind it all.
This Chargers team could’ve easily unraveled. After starting the season 3-0, they dropped three of their next four, including back-to-back losses to the Giants and Commanders-two teams that have struggled mightily this year.
That kind of skid can derail a season fast. But Harbaugh kept his team steady, and they responded.
They bounced back with a gritty 29-27 win over the Dolphins, only to stumble again against the Colts. But from there, something clicked.
A three-game win streak reignited their season, and even after a humbling 35-6 loss to the Jaguars, the Chargers didn’t flinch. Instead, they rattled off four straight wins-against the Raiders, Eagles, Chiefs, and Cowboys-to put themselves in prime position heading into the final two weeks.
This run hasn’t come easy. The offensive line has been a patchwork unit all season, with star tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt sidelined.
Harbaugh and his staff have had to get creative-like sliding guard Jamaree Salyer out to left tackle, or plugging in a midseason signing at right tackle. It hasn’t always been pretty, but it’s worked well enough to keep the offense moving.
And then there’s Justin Herbert. The franchise quarterback has played through the season with a protective sleeve on his surgically repaired left hand. It’s the kind of injury that could easily limit a passer’s comfort and confidence, but Herbert has pushed through, continuing to lead the offense with toughness and poise.
How many offensive line combinations have they used this year? Try over 20.
That’s not just a stat-it’s a testament to preparation, depth, and coaching. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman praised the unit’s ability to step in and perform when called upon.
“They prepared and practiced and performed extremely well,” Roman said. “Now it’s time to do it again.”
That next-man-up mentality has become a core part of the Chargers’ identity. Center Bradley Bozeman summed it up best: “No matter what happens, no matter who is saying what, no matter what the situation is, you stay true to yourself.
You work. You do what you got to do.”
That’s the kind of mindset that wins in December-and beyond.
On the other side of the ball, the defense has found its edge. Linebacker Daiyan Henley shared how defensive coordinator Jesse Minter challenged the unit with a clear mission: beat the Chiefs.
After a decade of Kansas City dominance in the AFC West, the Chargers built their team to knock them off the throne. That kind of targeted preparation is a hallmark of Harbaugh-led teams-every detail, every matchup, every moment matters.
And players are buying in. Wide receiver Keenan Allen described Harbaugh’s presence as something different.
“He just has that aura, just that winning culture, he has that winning feel to him,” Allen said. “I think everybody just believes in it.”
It’s hard to argue with the results. Harbaugh’s track record in the NFL speaks for itself.
In his first stint with the 49ers, he went 13-3 out of the gate and followed it up with 11-4-1 and 12-4 seasons, reaching the Super Bowl and compiling a 5-3 playoff record. After a decade away from the league, he returned to lead the Chargers to an 11-6 finish in his first season and now has them on the doorstep of another playoff berth.
The math is simple: beat the Texans in Week 17, and the Chargers set up a Week 18 showdown with the Broncos for the division crown. Even if they don’t win out, they can still clinch a postseason spot if the Colts lose or tie against the 49ers.
Harbaugh’s overall NFL record now stands at 66-29, with a 5-4 mark in the playoffs. And if the Chargers do make it in, you’d be wise not to bet against him.
This team isn’t just surviving-they’re surging. And with Harbaugh at the helm, they’re not just a playoff threat-they’re a legitimate contender.
The road hasn’t been easy. But with two games left, the Chargers control their fate. And that’s exactly where Harbaugh wants to be.