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This Is Why Michigan Football Coach Jim Harbaugh Left For NFL

Former Michigan Football Coach Jim Harbaugh explains what motivated him to take an NFL gig with the LA Chargers.

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Michigan football, Jim Harbaugh, NFL, LA Chargers
© Melanie Maxwell / USA TODAY NETWORK

Last week, Sherrone Moore was promoted to head coach of the Michigan Wolverines following the departure of former national title-winning Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh. Recently, Harbaugh explained what motivated him to leave Ann Arbor for an NFL gig with the LA Chargers.

Why did Michigan football coach leave for the NFL?

The LA Chargers and their new head coach, Jim Harbaugh, are the talk of the league right now, and rightfully so. Their roster is as talented as anyone’s and, as we saw during Harbaugh’s time with Michigan football, he is a championship-caliber coach, meaning their time for a Super Bowl run could be coming.

After nine years with the Wolverines, Jim Harbaugh decided to head back to the NFL ranks, accepting the LA Chargers’ contract offer over Michigan’s offer last week. While some were hurt that Harbaugh would leave his alma mater, especially at a time like this after winning the national title, others saw the full picture. Over the weekend, Jim Harbaugh himself decided to clear up what drew him back to the league.

“It was tough,” the former Michigan football coach explained. “I was torn. My wife, kids. I love Michigan, but I love the NFL too. There’s no Lombardi Trophy in college football, and I (only) got so much sand left in the hourglass, and I wanted to take a crack at that. There’s nowhere better to do it than with the Los Angeles Chargers…”

Jim Harbaugh gunning for a Super Bowl with the LA Chargers

Of course, many will recall that Jim Harbaugh has appeared in a Super Bowl before; however, he fell short against the Baltimore Ravens, which were (and still are) led by his brother, John Harbaugh.

While winning a national title was a fantastic notch in Harbaugh’s belt, especially since it meant bringing his alma mater back to the top of college football, he is still without a Super Bowl victory, and that loss to his brother undoubtedly still stings.

Seeing as Sherrone Moore taking over the Wolverines and Jim Harbaugh off to start a new journey in LA next fall, the 2024 season will undoubtedly be a fun one all around.



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CJ has covered college athletics in paid roles for around five years, including numerous sports and beats. His most recent work revolves largely around Penn State and Michigan football and basketball as a member of the credentialed media at both schools. Right now, CJ writes for Blue by Ninety, where he also serves as the site's credentialed football reporter. He also does some credentialed basketball coverage. Previously, CJ has made stops with sites like GBMWolverine, Saturday Blitz, Steeler Nation, and more.

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