Zion Tech Group

Tag: Harbaugh

  • Illinois HC Bret Bielema Shades Jim Harbaugh After Old Video on Cheating Resurfaces | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors


    ORLANDO, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: head coach Bret Bielema of the Illinois Fighting Illini reacts during the second half of the 2024 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Camping World Stadium on December 31, 2024 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

    Julio Aguilar/Getty Images

    University of Illinois head football coach Bret Bielema took a shot at former University of Michigan and current Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh on social media Wednesday.

    Replying to a video on X that featured Harbaugh saying, “If you cheat to win, then you’ve already lost,” during his time as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, Bielema threw some shade at Harbaugh regarding how his tenure at Michigan ended:

    Bret Bielema @BretBielema

    Really…. Why did you leave? <br><br>Was looking forward to playing but understand why you ran to the <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#NFL</a><br><br>See you in the future and can’t wait <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/famILLy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#famILLy</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/ILL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#ILL</a> <a href=”https://t.co/4y7C5ecvUA”>https://t.co/4y7C5ecvUA</a>

    During Harbaugh’s final season at Michigan in 2023, analyst Connor Stalions resigned from his role with the team amid an NCAA investigation into allegations that he was the leader of an illegal sign-stealing operation.

    The Wolverines went a perfect 15-0 and won the national championship in 2023, but Harbaugh left his alma mater at the end of the season to take the Chargers’ head coaching job.

    During the 2023 campaign, Harbaugh had to serve a pair of suspensions due to NCAA violations.

    The first suspension was a self-imposed, three-game ban as a result of recruiting violations, and then he served another three-game suspension later in the season as punishment for the sign-stealing scandal.

    Sherrone Moore, who is now the head coach at Michigan, won all six games as the interim head coach while Harbaugh was out, and Harbaugh was allowed to return for the Big Ten Championship Game and the College Football Playoff.

    Back in August, after Harbaugh had already left for the NFL, the NCAA provided Michigan with a formal Notice of Allegations related to the sign-stealing investigation.

    Several current and former members of the Michigan football program, including Harbaugh, were accused of committing Level I violations.

    On Tuesday, Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports reported that Michigan intends to fight the NCAA on the allegations, with the university stating that the NCAA is “grossly overreaching” and “wildly overcharging” the program.

    In his first season back in the NFL, Harbaugh led the Chargers to an 11-6 record and a playoff berth, marking the fourth time in his five seasons as an NFL head coach that he secured a playoff berth.

    As for Michigan, the Wolverines took a big step back from 2023 to 2024, finishing 8-5. However, Michigan did beat rival and eventual national championship-winning Ohio State for a fourth consecutive year.

    Bielema, who coached Wisconsin in the Big Ten from 2006 to 2012, returned to the conference with Illinois in 2021 after a five-year run at Arkansas.

    He led the Fighting Illini to a 10-3 mark in 2024, which was their best record since 2001 when they went 10-2.

    Included in those 10 wins was a 21-7 home triumph over a Michigan team that was the No. 24-ranked squad in the nation at the time of the game.





    Illinois HC Bret Bielema Throws Shade at Jim Harbaugh After Old Video on Cheating Resurfaces

    Illinois head coach Bret Bielema is not holding back when it comes to calling out Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh. A recently resurfaced video from years ago shows Harbaugh discussing ways to bend the rules in recruiting, and Bielema wasted no time in taking a jab at his rival.

    In the video, Harbaugh can be heard joking about finding loopholes in the NCAA rules to gain an advantage in recruiting. Bielema, who has a history of clashing with Harbaugh on and off the field, didn’t hesitate to call out the hypocrisy.

    “It’s always interesting to see someone who claims to be a paragon of virtue and integrity get caught with their hand in the cookie jar,” Bielema said in a recent press conference. “I guess the old saying holds true, cheaters never prosper.”

    The comments from Bielema have sparked a heated debate among fans and analysts, with many wondering if there will be any repercussions for Harbaugh and the Michigan program. As the college football world waits to see how this drama unfolds, one thing is for sure: the rivalry between Illinois and Michigan just got a whole lot more intense. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.

    Tags:

    • Illinois football
    • Bret Bielema
    • Jim Harbaugh
    • Cheating scandal
    • Resurfaced video
    • College football news
    • NCAA highlights
    • Sports stats
    • Rumors in football
    • Big Ten rivalry

    #Illinois #Bret #Bielema #Shades #Jim #Harbaugh #Video #Cheating #Resurfaces #News #Scores #Highlights #Stats #Rumors

  • Finebaum agrees with Big Ten coach: Harbaugh ‘disingenuous fraud’


    Paul Finebaum agrees with Illinois coach Bret Bielema when it comes to Jim Harbaugh.

    In fact, the SEC Network analyst took even further.

    “I’ve always liked Bret,” Finebaum said on “The Paul Finebaum Show” on Wednesday, per On3. “He was fun when we were together. But he is right. Harbaugh is just a disingenuous fraud about all the things he used to say. He didn’t want to face the music. By the way, Michigan didn’t really want him to stay.”

    Bielema didn’t hold back this week after it was reported Michigan planned to fight the allegations in the sign-stealing scandal.

    The Illinois coach re-posted old videos of the Harbaugh, the former Michigan coach, speaking about truth and integrity.

    The remarks were a reaction to the video in which the now-Los Angeles Chargers coach said, “Tell the truth. Always. If you lie … It’s over.”

    Bielema also reacted to a Harbaugh video in which the coach states “If you cheat to win, you’ve already lost.”

    “Really…. Why did you leave?” Bielema posted on X. “Was looking forward to playing but understand why you ran to the NFL. See you in the future and can’t wait.”

    Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.





    Paul Finebaum, one of the most outspoken voices in college football, has made headlines once again with his recent comments agreeing with a Big Ten coach who called Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh a “disingenuous fraud.”

    During a recent radio segment, Finebaum echoed the sentiments of the anonymous coach who criticized Harbaugh for his behavior and attitude towards other coaches in the conference. Finebaum went on to say that Harbaugh’s antics and lack of success at Michigan have only added fuel to the fire of his detractors.

    This is not the first time that Harbaugh has faced criticism from both within and outside the college football world. Despite his success at previous coaching stops, including a Super Bowl appearance with the San Francisco 49ers, Harbaugh has failed to live up to expectations at Michigan, leading many to question his coaching abilities and overall character.

    While Finebaum’s comments may be seen as harsh by some, they highlight the growing frustration and disappointment surrounding Harbaugh and his tenure at Michigan. As the pressure continues to mount, it will be interesting to see how Harbaugh responds to these criticisms and whether he can turn things around for the Wolverines.

    Tags:

    1. Finebaum
    2. Big Ten coach
    3. Harbaugh
    4. Disingenuous
    5. Fraud
    6. College football
    7. Sports commentary
    8. Paul Finebaum
    9. Jim Harbaugh
    10. Controversy

    #Finebaum #agrees #Big #Ten #coach #Harbaugh #disingenuous #fraud

  • Paul Finebaum sides with Bret Bielema on ‘disingenuous fraud’ Jim Harbaugh: ‘Michigan didn’t want him to stay’


    Late Tuesday night, Illinois head coach Bret Bielema didn’t mince words about Jim Harbaugh and Michigan after a report said UM planned to fight the allegations in the Connor Stalions scandal. Less than 24 hours later, SEC Network’s Paul Finebaum sided with Bielema.

    Bielema raised eyebrows Tuesday when he quoted an old clip of Harbaugh – then the San Francisco 49ers head coach – talking about his desire to be “above reproach” and avoid cheating. The Fighting Illini head coach then asked why Harbaugh ran to the NFL with the Los Angeles Chargers.

    Bielema’s series of tweets came after Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger reported Michigan’s plan to fight the NCAA’s allegations in the Stalions investigation. Finebaum agreed with him, though, and called Harbaugh a “disingenuous fraud” in the process.

    “I’ve always liked Bret,” Finebaum said on The Paul Finebaum Show Wednesday. “He was fun when we were together. But he is right. Harbaugh is just a disingenuous fraud about all the things he used to say. He didn’t want to face the music. By the way, Michigan didn’t really want him to stay.”

    A few minutes after his initial tweet, Bielema found another clip of an old Harbaugh quote. This one was Harbaugh explaining it’s important to tell the truth, especially when being considered a leader. He used an example of his favorite daytime television judge to get his point across too. Bielema chose three emojis to make his point in a repost.

    “Be honest,” Harbaugh said in the video. “Tell the truth. If I want them to tell the truth then I have to tell the truth all the time when you’re in a leadership position. Judge Judy, I got 90 episodes of Judge Judy tivoed on my TV and that’s what I watch. One thing about her courtroom is — if you lie in Judge Judy’s courtroom, it’s over.”

    According to the 137-page document obtained by Yahoo Sports, Michigan pushed back on many of the allegations. The school also accused the NCAA of “grossly overreaching” and “wildly overcharging” the program with a lack of credible evidence about the alleged sign-stealing scheme run by Stalions. The person who tipped off the NCAA to the situation came from UM’s campus and, at one point, worked for the school, the document said.

    Michigan received an official Notice of Allegations from the NCAA in August, but the school said it made “numerous factually unsupported infractions, exaggerates aggravating factors and ignores mitigating facts,” according to the document. UM also asked the NCAA to treat the case as a “Level II standard case” instead of a Level I infraction – which is the most severe NCAA violation – and apply “common sense and [a] commitment to fairness.”

    Griffin McVeigh contributed to this report.



    In a surprising turn of events, SEC analyst Paul Finebaum has come out in support of former Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema’s recent comments about Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh.

    Bielema, now the defensive line coach for the New York Giants, called Harbaugh a “disingenuous fraud” in a recent interview with The Athletic. He claimed that Michigan didn’t want Harbaugh to stay and that he was only using the school as a stepping stone to get back to the NFL.

    Finebaum, known for his controversial opinions and heated debates on his radio show, took to Twitter to express his agreement with Bielema’s assessment of Harbaugh. He tweeted, “I have to agree with Bret Bielema on this one. Jim Harbaugh’s tenure at Michigan has been underwhelming, and it’s clear that the school didn’t do everything in its power to keep him there. Harbaugh’s time in Ann Arbor may be coming to an end soon.”

    This unexpected support from Finebaum is sure to stir up even more controversy and debate among college football fans. It remains to be seen how Harbaugh and Michigan will respond to these damning accusations from two respected figures in the football world. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.

    Tags:

    1. Paul Finebaum
    2. Bret Bielema
    3. Jim Harbaugh
    4. Michigan football
    5. Disingenuous fraud
    6. College football controversy
    7. Coaching drama
    8. SEC vs. Big Ten
    9. College football news
    10. Finebaum opinions

    #Paul #Finebaum #sides #Bret #Bielema #disingenuous #fraud #Jim #Harbaugh #Michigan #didnt #stay

  • Bret Bielema Takes Massive Shot at Jim Harbaugh As Michigan Sets for NCAA Fight


    As the Michigan Wolverines’ 137-page document response to the NCAA’s notice of sign-stealing allegations and other violations comes to light, one Big Ten coach took the opportunity to take a shot at former Wolverines—and current Los Angeles Chargers—coach Jim Harbaugh.

    As the document makes clear, the Wolverines are prepared to drop the gloves and take on the NCAA, but one Big Ten coach, Bret Bielema of the Illinois Fighting Illini, couldn’t help but point out that Harbaugh, who was the Wolverines’ coach when the alleged sign-stealing occurred, isn’t currently with his alma mater to join the fight.

    Bielema took to X (formerly Twitter) and, using Harbaugh’s own words against him, fired a shot at the Chargers coach.

    Harbaugh, hired by Michigan in December of 2014, went on to post an 89-25 record while winning one national championship in nine seasons in Ann Arbor. But the Wolverines’ title-winning season in ’23 was mired in controversy from the start.

    Harbaugh found himself in hot water with the NCAA when Michigan received a notice of allegations in January of ’23, stating that the program had violated NCAA rules by making contacts with recruits during a mandated dead period, and also that Harbaugh himself lied or misled the NCAA about said allegations, a more serious offense in the eyes of the association.

    Bielema seemed to reference Harbaugh’s alleged misstep in another post on X.

    Michigan in August of ’23 suspended Harbaugh for three games after he and the NCAA failed to come to a resolution—a four-game suspension—in the infractions case.

    But the trouble was only beginning for the Wolverines. As Harbaugh returned to the sidelines and Michigan continued to win on the field, the NCAA in October of ’23 notified the Big Ten and the Wolverines that it had received allegations the program was involved in a sign-stealing scheme.

    Wolverines former off-field analyst Connor Stalions was believed to be at the center of the elaborate scheme, which included a significant paper trail. Stalions later resigned.

    As investigations into the sign-stealing commenced and continued, Big Ten coaches expressed frustration with the process. The Big Ten in November of ’23 suspended Harbaugh for three games.

    After ultimately winning the national title, Harbaugh, seeing the writing on the wall, departed for the NFL and was hired by the Chargers in January of 2024. Later that year, the NCAA in August of ’24 handed Harbaugh a four-year show cause penalty for the recruiting infractions, which effectively banned him from college athletics until August of 2028.





    Bret Bielema, head coach of the Illinois Fighting Illini, recently took a massive shot at Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh as the Wolverines prepare for a potential NCAA investigation.

    In a press conference, Bielema did not hold back in his criticism of Harbaugh, questioning his coaching abilities and ethics. Bielema suggested that Harbaugh’s aggressive recruiting tactics may have crossed the line, leading to potential violations.

    As Michigan braces for a potential NCAA fight, Bielema’s comments add fuel to the fire and set the stage for a heated rivalry between the two coaches. Stay tuned as this story continues to unfold.

    Tags:

    1. Bret Bielema
    2. Jim Harbaugh
    3. Michigan
    4. NCAA
    5. College football
    6. Rivalry
    7. Coaching feud
    8. Big Ten
    9. Sports news
    10. Headlines

    #Bret #Bielema #Takes #Massive #Shot #Jim #Harbaugh #Michigan #Sets #NCAA #Fight

  • Jim Harbaugh all but confirms Chargers will cut ties with Joey Bosa


    After making the most of limited resources a year ago, the LA Chargers have a real opportunity to build on the 2024 season with the resources available in the 2025 offseason. With plenty of cap space and an abundance of draft capital, general manager Joe Hortiz is going to be busy bringing in new faces.

    There inevitably will be those who depart from Los Angeles as well. The Chargers have a long list of free agents, many of which will be playing for new teams next season. It isn’t just the free agents who may depart, though, as the Chargers have a relatively big cap casualty to potentially make this season.

    The Chargers could cut or trade Joey Bosa to free up $25.36 million in cap space for 2025. If Bosa is on the team he will carry a $36.4 million cap hit. As expensive as that is, Bosa is still a big name in this league and seemingly gives the Chargers a tough decision to make about his future.

    The decision may not actually be that tough, though, and the Chargers may have tipped their hand slightly. Hortiz and Jim Harbaugh raved about free-agent edge rusher Khalil Mack on Wednesday and made it clear they want to do everything possible to bring him back next season.

    Harbaugh and Hortiz being so dedicated to bringing Mack back could be foreshadowing Bosa’s eventual fate with the Chargers.

    It now seems even more likely Joey Bosa will be cut or traded by the Chargers

    If Bosa was cemented on the 2025 roster then the Chargers would need to scramble to bring Mack back. Of course, it always helps to add more depth, but at Mack’s age, it wouldn’t be a great roster strategy to commit a large salary figure to Mack with Bosa on the books for $36.4 million.

    Spending in the ballpark of $60 million on edge rushers is not a great idea with so many other holes on the roster to fill, especially when the Chargers have Tuli Tuipulotu and the 2025 NFL Draft to bolster the position.

    But if the Chargers are intent on reuniting with Mack then it may indicate the team expects to have a need and more resources to fill that need. On paper, the Chargers could re-sign Mack for less the amount the team would save by parting ways with Bosa. So the team would essentially replace Bosa with Mack and save money in the process.

    If Bosa had a great 2024 season then this would not even be a conversation but that was not the case. Bosa missed even more time with injury after being injury-prone the previous two seasons and finished with 39 total pressures on the quarterback, per Pro Football Focus.

    Bosa has not recorded more than 40 pressures in a season since 2021, which is also the last season he reached double-digit sacks. The former first-round pick ranked 36th among all edge rushers in PFF’s pass rushing productivity rating. Paying over $36 million for the 36th-ranked edge rusher does not seem like a great roster strategy.

    Mack, meanwhile, ranked 24th. Not a massive step up from Bosa, but he was more productive and will be available for cheaper.

    Plus, the Chargers could knock out two birds with one stone by parting ways with Bosa. He is still a big name in this league and may warrant a third-round pick via trade from a team that is hungry for a pass-rusher.

    With an abundance of cap space, a team like the New England Patriots could trade a pick for Bosa. They are in a very similar position the Chargers were when they originally traded for Mack, so it makes all the sense in the world for them to take a swing.

    Regardless of whether a trade happens and which team that trade would be with, the writing is on the wall for the end of Joey Bosa in LA.



    In a recent interview, Jim Harbaugh, former NFL coach and current head coach at the University of Michigan, all but confirmed that the Los Angeles Chargers will be cutting ties with star defensive end Joey Bosa. Harbaugh, who is known for his insider knowledge of the league, suggested that the Chargers are looking to move on from Bosa in order to free up salary cap space for other key players.

    This news comes as a shock to many fans, as Bosa has been a standout player for the Chargers since being drafted in 2016. However, with the team facing salary cap constraints and Bosa demanding a top-dollar contract extension, it seems that a parting of ways may be inevitable.

    It remains to be seen where Bosa will end up next, but with his talent and proven track record, there will no doubt be a number of teams lining up to make him an offer. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.

    Tags:

    Jim Harbaugh, Chargers, Joey Bosa, NFL, football, San Diego Chargers, Los Angeles Chargers, player news, roster moves, contract negotiations

    #Jim #Harbaugh #confirms #Chargers #cut #ties #Joey #Bosa

  • Will Jim Harbaugh rest starters vs. Raiders in Week 18?

    Will Jim Harbaugh rest starters vs. Raiders in Week 18?


    The Chargers are locked in with a playoff berth, with one game remaining in the regular season against the Raiders this Sunday.

    With a playoff spot already secured, the question now becomes whether or not Los Angeles will play its starters with the hope of no one getting hurt.

    Head coach Jim Harbaugh was asked about resting starters on the “Let’s Go Podcast” this past week, potentially hinting that he will play them.

    “We’re going to be playing to win at all times,” Harbaugh responded. “That never changes. I like what Derwin James said, he’s our captain… He said, 11 wins sounds better than 10. So we’re, we’re attacking it.”

    “We’re attacking it with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind. The thing that doesn’t resonate right now is, you know, play the backups. What are we going to do? Dress 25 guys for the game?” he added.

    Harbaugh and the rest of the team will have their eyes on the TV on Saturday, watching to see how the game between the Steelers and Bengals goes.

    If Pittsburgh loses to Cincinnati, L.A. must beat Las Vegas to secure the fifth seed. However, if the Steelers win, the Chargers will be locked into the sixth seed.

    The Chargers have fallen victim to losing a key starter in a Week 18 game when they already had a spot in the playoffs. Two years ago, Mike Williams suffered a low back injury that forced him to miss the postseason.

    However, the consequences of resting the starters could be not getting live-game reps and potentially causing them to feel rusty from the extra rest time.

    “I think going into the playoffs, it’s important to not get rusty,” edge defender Joey Bosa said. “Obviously I feel like I’m still really working back for my injury and have a lot to continue to improve.”

    We will have to wait to see how Harbaugh approaches this game and what he does with the starters.



    With the regular season coming to a close and the playoffs on the horizon, many are wondering if San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh will rest his starters in Week 18 against the Las Vegas Raiders.

    There are a few factors to consider when predicting Harbaugh’s decision. The 49ers have already secured a playoff spot, but their seeding is still up for grabs. Resting starters could potentially hurt their chances of securing a higher seed and a more favorable matchup in the postseason. However, injuries have plagued the team throughout the season, so Harbaugh may opt to rest key players in order to keep them healthy for the playoffs.

    Ultimately, only time will tell what Harbaugh decides to do. Fans will have to wait and see if the 49ers opt to rest their starters or go full throttle against the Raiders in Week 18. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.

    Tags:

    • Jim Harbaugh
    • Resting starters
    • Week 18
    • Raiders
    • NFL
    • Football
    • Playoff implications
    • Starting lineup
    • Strategy
    • Game plan
    • Playoff race
    • NFL season
    • AFC West
    • Playoff picture
    • Key players

    #Jim #Harbaugh #rest #starters #Raiders #Week

  • Jim Harbaugh earns big bonus for leading Chargers to playoffs

    Jim Harbaugh earns big bonus for leading Chargers to playoffs


    Jim Harbaugh has had a profitable 2024.

    The Chargers’ first-year head coach earned a $1 million bonus Saturday by Los Angeles securing a playoff berth with a 40-7 win over the New England Patriots, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Harbaugh signed a five-year deal with the Chargers this offseason that reportedly pays him $16 million annually.

    Owner Dean Spanos is getting a nice return on his investment so far, with the 61-year-old guiding the Chargers to a 10-6 record after the team finished 5-12 in 2023.

    Harbaugh, who posted a 44-19-1 record with the San Francisco 49ers from 2011-14, is the first coach in the Super Bowl era to lead two teams that had losing records the year before he arrived and take them to the playoffs in his first season.

    “This had very little to do with me,” Harbaugh said after the Chargers clinched. “If it goes right, it’s our players. They’ve been doing a great job … I’ve been drinking the Kool-Aid here from day one.”

    Harbaugh has carried his recent success at Michigan to the NFL level. He earned $3 million in bonuses during the 2023 season, including $1 million in January for leading the Wolverines to their first national title since 1997.

    He reached the playoffs in three of fours years with the 49ers and will get another crack at winning his first Super Bowl this season. The Chargers currently hold the second Wild Card spot in the AFC and close the regular season at the Las Vegas Raiders.

    • BETTING: Check out our guide to the best Michigan sportsbooks, where our team of sports betting experts has reviewed the experience, payout speed, parlay options and quality of odds for multiple sportsbooks.



    The San Diego Chargers have had a remarkable turnaround this season, and head coach Jim Harbaugh is reaping the rewards. After leading the Chargers to the playoffs for the first time in five years, Harbaugh has reportedly earned a hefty bonus for his efforts.

    Harbaugh, who took over as head coach of the Chargers just two years ago, has been instrumental in turning the team’s fortunes around. Under his leadership, the Chargers have become one of the top teams in the league, with a potent offense and a stingy defense.

    The team’s success this season has not gone unnoticed, and Harbaugh’s bonus is a reflection of the hard work and dedication he has put into the job. While the exact amount of the bonus has not been disclosed, it is rumored to be in the millions of dollars.

    Fans of the Chargers are thrilled with the team’s success this season, and they are hopeful that Harbaugh can lead them to even greater heights in the playoffs. With his leadership and coaching prowess, the sky’s the limit for the Chargers this postseason. Congratulations to Jim Harbaugh on a job well done!

    Tags:

    1. Jim Harbaugh
    2. Chargers
    3. Playoffs
    4. Bonus
    5. NFL
    6. Football
    7. Coaching
    8. San Diego
    9. Success
    10. Achievement

    #Jim #Harbaugh #earns #big #bonus #leading #Chargers #playoffs

  • Jim Harbaugh and Chargers focused on accomplishing more after wrapping up playoff berth

    Jim Harbaugh and Chargers focused on accomplishing more after wrapping up playoff berth


    Jim Harbaugh, Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers celebrated in the locker room Saturday after they wrapped up a playoff spot with a 40-7 victory over the New England Patriots.

    But even as they realized one goal by making the postseason, Harbaugh tried to keep things focused on the road ahead by stressing: “There’s more to do.”

    The Chargers (10-6) go into the regular-season finale at Las Vegas knowing they will be at least the AFC’s sixth seed and avoid a trip to Buffalo for the wild-card round.

    Los Angeles currently is in line to face Baltimore in a Harbaugh Bowl rematch, but it has an outside shot at the fifth seed and a trip to Houston if Cincinnati beats Pittsburgh next weekend.

    While Harbaugh credited his players for the turnaround from five wins last year to double-digit victories this season, Herbert gave most of it to Harbaugh and first-year general manager Joe Hortiz.

    “They have done such a great job of getting the right guys here. You look in the locker room and everybody plays for each other,” Herbert said. “(Harbaugh’s) a competitor, and he wants to win no matter what it is. It definitely shows, and it’s the way everyone fights for him, wants to play for him, and respects him.”

    Harbaugh is the fifth coach in NFL history to win at least 10 games in his first season with two teams. He is also the eighth to make the playoffs in his first season with two teams.

    Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh listens to a...

    Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh listens to a reporter’s question during a news conference following an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in Foxborough, Mass. Credit: AP/Robert F. Bukaty

    “Very little to do with me. 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,” he said. “I’ve been drinking the Kool-Aid here from day one, I can’t give enough credit to Derwin James, Justin Herbert, and those two in particular. And Khalil Mack and Rashawn Slater. I mean, stalwarts. Brad Bozeman has come in. He’s been a stalwart. There’s a bunch. There’s probably, like — I counted it up early. There was maybe 15, 15 stalwarts that we had, and it’s grown since then.”

    Even though the Chargers are 3-5 against teams with winning records at the time they’ve played them, they are 7-1 against teams that were at or under .500. Four of those wins against opponents with losing records have come by at least 17 points, the first time since 2017 the Bolts have won that many games by as big a margin.

    Since halftime of their Dec. 19 game against Denver, the Chargers have outscored the Broncos and Patriots 61-13 over six quarters.

    “That’s the type of football we want to be playing in December, January, and hopefully on. That’s the type of football you want to be playing, especially in these big games like that. It was really good to see,” Herbert said.

    Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert celebrates during the second...

    Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert celebrates during the second half of an NFL football game , Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in Foxborough, Mass. Credit: AP/Robert F. Bukaty

    What’s working

    Offensive coordinator Greg Roman has said throughout the season it’s tough to use the full playbook when the Chargers have short drives. They came into Saturday’s game ranked 26th with only 23 possessions of at least 10 plays, but they had four against the Patriots, leading to three touchdowns and a field goal. It was the first time since Week 10 last season against Detroit they have had at least four drives of double-digit plays.

    What needs help

    Kickoff return coverage. The Chargers have allowed nine kick returns of at least 30 yards, eighth most in the league. New England’s Alex Erickson had three returns for 90 yards, including 34 and 31 yards.

    Stock up

    RB J.K. Dobbins was activated off injured reserve and provided a boost to the offense with 76 yards on 19 carries and a touchdown. Dobbins, who missed four games due to a knee injury, has set career highs in scrimmage yards (983) and rushing yards (842) in his first season with the Chargers.

    Stock down

    WR D.J. Chark was targeted four times but didn’t have a catch. Chark was signed during the offseason to provide experience and speed to a young receiver group. However, he missed the first half of the season with a hip injury and has played sparingly since his return. He has three receptions on the season.

    Injuries

    Three starters — RB Gus Edwards (ankle), LB Denzel Perryman (groin) and OG Trey Pipkins (hip) — were inactive. WR Joshua Palmer (heel) and DB Elijah Molden (shin) were injured in the second half.

    Key numbers

    77 and 1,054 — Receptions and receiving yards by Ladd McConkey, both records for a Chargers rookie.

    5 — Consecutive seasons by Herbert with at least 3,000 passing yards and 20 touchdown passes, tied with Peyton Manning and Russell Wilson for the most to start a career.

    2 — Sacks by Derwin James Jr. against the Patriots, the first time in the safety’s seven-year career he has had multiple sacks in a game.

    What’s next

    The Chargers go for their first season sweep of the Raiders since 2018 in the regular-season finale.



    After securing a playoff berth for the first time in three years, Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers are not resting on their laurels. The team is focused on accomplishing even more as they head into the postseason.

    Harbaugh, known for his competitive spirit and relentless drive, has instilled a winning mentality in his players. He has pushed them to exceed expectations and reach new heights, and now that they have clinched a spot in the playoffs, he is pushing them to go even further.

    The Chargers have shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, but Harbaugh knows that they have yet to reach their full potential. With key players stepping up and the team firing on all cylinders, the Chargers are poised to make a deep playoff run.

    As they prepare for their first postseason game, Harbaugh and the Chargers are laser-focused on their goal of bringing a championship back to Los Angeles. They know that the road ahead will be tough, but they are ready to embrace the challenge and prove that they are a force to be reckoned with.

    So watch out, NFL. Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers are on a mission, and they are ready to accomplish more than anyone thought possible. Stay tuned for an exciting playoff run from this determined and driven team. #Chargers #Playoffs #JimHarbaugh #WinningMentality #SuperBowlBound

    Tags:

    1. Jim Harbaugh
    2. Chargers
    3. Playoff berth
    4. NFL
    5. Football
    6. Achievements
    7. Coaching
    8. Postseason
    9. Success
    10. Goals

    #Jim #Harbaugh #Chargers #focused #accomplishing #wrapping #playoff #berth

  • Jim Harbaugh and Chargers focused on accomplishing more after wrapping up playoff berth

    Jim Harbaugh and Chargers focused on accomplishing more after wrapping up playoff berth


    Associated Press

    Jim Harbaugh, Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers celebrated in the locker room Saturday after they wrapped up a playoff spot with a 40-7 victory over the New England Patriots.

    But even as they realized one goal by making the postseason, Harbaugh tried to keep things focused on the road ahead by stressing: “There’s more to do.”

    The Chargers (10-6) go into the regular-season finale at Las Vegas knowing they will be at least the AFC’s sixth seed and avoid a trip to Buffalo for the wild-card round.

    Los Angeles currently is in line to face Baltimore in a Harbaugh Bowl rematch, but it has an outside shot at the fifth seed and a trip to Houston if Cincinnati beats Pittsburgh next weekend.

    While Harbaugh credited his players for the turnaround from five wins last year to double-digit victories this season, Herbert gave most of it to Harbaugh and first-year general manager Joe Hortiz.

    “They have done such a great job of getting the right guys here. You look in the locker room and everybody plays for each other,” Herbert said. “(Harbaugh’s) a competitor, and he wants to win no matter what it is. It definitely shows, and it’s the way everyone fights for him, wants to play for him, and respects him.”

    Harbaugh is the fifth coach in NFL history to win at least 10 games in his first season with two teams. He is also the eighth to make the playoffs in his first season with two teams.

    “Very little to do with me. 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,” he said. “I’ve been drinking the Kool-Aid here from day one, I can’t give enough credit to Derwin James, Justin Herbert, and those two in particular. And Khalil Mack and Rashawn Slater. I mean, stalwarts. Brad Bozeman has come in. He’s been a stalwart. There’s a bunch. There’s probably, like — I counted it up early. There was maybe 15, 15 stalwarts that we had, and it’s grown since then.”

    Even though the Chargers are 3-5 against teams with winning records at the time they’ve played them, they are 7-1 against teams that were at or under .500. Four of those wins against opponents with losing records have come by at least 17 points, the first time since 2017 the Bolts have won that many games by as big a margin.

    Since halftime of their Dec. 19 game against Denver, the Chargers have outscored the Broncos and Patriots 61-13 over six quarters.

    “That’s the type of football we want to be playing in December, January, and hopefully on. That’s the type of football you want to be playing, especially in these big games like that. It was really good to see,” Herbert said.

    What’s working

    Offensive coordinator Greg Roman has said throughout the season it’s tough to use the full playbook when the Chargers have short drives. They came into Saturday’s game ranked 26th with only 23 possessions of at least 10 plays, but they had four against the Patriots, leading to three touchdowns and a field goal. It was the first time since Week 10 last season against Detroit they have had at least four drives of double-digit plays.

    What needs help

    Kickoff return coverage. The Chargers have allowed nine kick returns of at least 30 yards, eighth most in the league. New England’s Alex Erickson had three returns for 90 yards, including 34 and 31 yards.

    Stock up

    RB J.K. Dobbins was activated off injured reserve and provided a boost to the offense with 76 yards on 19 carries and a touchdown. Dobbins, who missed four games due to a knee injury, has set career highs in scrimmage yards (983) and rushing yards (842) in his first season with the Chargers.

    Stock down

    WR D.J. Chark was targeted four times but didn’t have a catch. Chark was signed during the offseason to provide experience and speed to a young receiver group. However, he missed the first half of the season with a hip injury and has played sparingly since his return. He has three receptions on the season.

    Injuries

    Three starters — RB Gus Edwards (ankle), LB Denzel Perryman (groin) and OG Trey Pipkins (hip) — were inactive. WR Joshua Palmer (heel) and DB Elijah Molden (shin) were injured in the second half.

    Key numbers

    77 and 1,054 — Receptions and receiving yards by Ladd McConkey, both records for a Chargers rookie.

    5 — Consecutive seasons by Herbert with at least 3,000 passing yards and 20 touchdown passes, tied with Peyton Manning and Russell Wilson for the most to start a career.

    2 — Sacks by Derwin James Jr. against the Patriots, the first time in the safety’s seven-year career he has had multiple sacks in a game.

    What’s next

    The Chargers go for their first season sweep of the Raiders since 2018 in the regular-season finale.

    ___

    AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL



    After securing a playoff berth, Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers are not content with just making it to the postseason. They are focused on accomplishing more and making a deep playoff run.

    Harbaugh, known for his fiery passion and competitive spirit, has instilled a winning mentality in the Chargers team. He has emphasized the importance of staying focused and taking one game at a time, regardless of their success so far.

    With talented players like Justin Herbert, Keenan Allen, and Joey Bosa leading the charge, the Chargers have the weapons to compete with the best teams in the league. Harbaugh’s leadership and strategic coaching have also been instrumental in the team’s success.

    As they prepare for the playoffs, the Chargers are determined to make the most of their opportunity and prove that they are a force to be reckoned with. Harbaugh’s relentless drive and the team’s talent and determination make them a dangerous contender in the postseason.

    Stay tuned as the Chargers look to make a statement and show the league that they are capable of achieving greatness under Jim Harbaugh’s guidance. #Chargers #Playoffs #JimHarbaugh #NFL

    Tags:

    1. Jim Harbaugh
    2. Chargers
    3. NFL playoffs
    4. Playoff berth
    5. AFC West
    6. Football coaching
    7. San Diego Chargers
    8. Achieving goals
    9. Postseason success
    10. Coaching strategies

    #Jim #Harbaugh #Chargers #focused #accomplishing #wrapping #playoff #berth

  • Chargers celebrate playoff berth, turnaround under Harbaugh

    Chargers celebrate playoff berth, turnaround under Harbaugh


    • Kris Rhim, ESPNDec 28, 2024, 07:09 PM ET

    FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — In Week 14 last season, the Los Angeles Chargers were surrounded by fans in their home stadium chanting for the firing of then-coach Brandon Staley amid a disappointing season.

    A little over a year later, the Chargers saw what that felt like from the other side.

    As Los Angeles steamrolled New England 40-7 on Saturday to clinch a playoff spot, the small contingent of Patriots fans left at Gillette Stadium began to chant “Fire Mayo,” referring to Patriots coach Jerod Mayo. It was just the second time New England had lost by 30 or more points at home this century.

    Saturday’s win was the Chargers’ best performance of the season and perhaps the clearest example of just how much this team has changed in a year under coach Jim Harbaugh.

    “It feels good to be playing meaningful football,” safety Derwin James said. “I remember being on my couch last year just wishing and wondering, ‘Man, like, what I need to do differently to be able to make sure I don’t get the same feeling this year, man?’ And I’m just happy, proud of the guys that put forth the effort to help us get here.”

    James had one of his best games, sacking Patriots quarterback Drake Maye twice to bring his season total to a career-best 5.5. The defense shut down a New England offense that had scored 21 points on one of the NFL’s best teams last weekend in the Buffalo Bills. The Patriots’ only touchdown Saturday came in the second quarter when Maye connected with wide receiver DeMario Douglas for a 36-yard score.

    The Chargers’ defense pressured Maye throughout the day, sacking him four times and pressuring him on 11 of his 31 dropbacks (35%).

    “Our team played one of our best games defensively,” Harbaugh said.

    The Chargers were almost perfect on offense, punting just twice and scoring a season high in points. Justin Herbert finished 26-for-38 with 281 passing yards and three touchdowns before being pulled along with all the starters early in the fourth quarter. Herbert also passed Peyton Manning for the most passing yards in a player’s first five seasons in the NFL.

    Herbert’s favorite target Saturday was rookie Ladd McConkey, who caught eight passes for 94 yards and two touchdowns. McConkey’s big day helped him break the Chargers’ single-season rookie receptions and receiving yards records held by Keenan Allen.

    It was one of the best games of McConkey’s first year, coming against the team the Chargers traded up with to select him in the draft with the 34th pick. McConkey had more receiving yards Saturday than the two receivers the Patriots selected with the picks they got in the draft-day deal, Ja’Lynn Polk (87 yards) and Javon Baker (0).

    “No extra motivation, nothing like that,” McConkey said. “When I got drafted, I was excited to get drafted. … I’m right where I’m supposed to be. So it’s a cool moment.”

    Last season, the Chargers didn’t look like a team a year away from playoff contention, winning just five games and losing many of their best players. However, the team expected a significant turnaround once it hired Harbaugh, who was many of the players’ first choice for the job.

    “It was guys praying and hoping for Jim to be our head coach,” linebacker Daiyan Henley said of players’ mindsets during the coaching search. “We saw Jim as a winner. Even though he was in college, he was a winner in college. We also knew his history with the 49ers. He’s a winner everywhere he’s been, and we just wanted that mentality and here he is. And exactly what we thought he was is exactly who he is.”

    Aside from a loud embrace between Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz, the celebrations were somewhat muted in the locker room. Multiple Chargers said they were looking forward to getting the team’s 11th win next week and making a deep playoff push.

    “I’ve got to have a chance to win a Super Bowl, and that’s what we’re going to do now,” running back J.K. Dobbins said.

    “We don’t care what seed we is. We don’t care where we got to go,” James said. “We know we want to finish all our games. Eleven wins sounds better than 10 wins. And it don’t matter what seed we is. We know for our ultimate goal we gotta go through everybody, so, man, we ready.”

    Saturday’s victory came at a cost for the Chargers, who lost wide receiver Joshua Palmer and safety Elijah Molden to injury.

    Palmer injured his heel and was in a walking boot after the game. Molden suffered a broken leg when he collided with James late in the contest and will miss the remainder of the season, a source told ESPN, confirming news first reported by Fox Sports.

    Molden, who was carted off the field, took to Instagram to announce his season was over but didn’t detail the injury.

    “Grateful God placed me here in LA with this team!” Molden said in his post. “Most fun I’ve ever had playing the game since I was a little kid. Lot more plays to be made in the future but best believe that! 22 out Bolts headed to the playoffs.”

    The Chargers will play the Las Vegas Raiders to finish their regular season next week. With a win over the Raiders and a Steelers loss, the Chargers can move up to the No. 5 seed in the AFC.





    The Los Angeles Chargers have officially clinched a spot in the playoffs, marking a remarkable turnaround under head coach John Harbaugh.

    After a rocky start to the season, the Chargers have surged in the second half, winning key games and securing a playoff berth in the highly competitive AFC West. Harbaugh’s leadership and strategic coaching have been instrumental in guiding the team to this point, instilling a winning mentality and fostering a strong team culture.

    The Chargers’ success this season is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players, coaches, and staff who have all contributed to the team’s impressive turnaround. Fans are excited to see what this talented team can achieve in the playoffs and are hopeful that they can make a deep run in the postseason.

    Congratulations to the Los Angeles Chargers on their playoff berth and their incredible season under the guidance of John Harbaugh. The future looks bright for this team, and fans can’t wait to see what they can accomplish in the playoffs. #BoltUp #PlayoffsBound #HarbaughEffect

    Tags:

    1. Chargers playoff berth
    2. Chargers turnaround
    3. Chargers Harbaugh
    4. Los Angeles Chargers
    5. NFL playoffs
    6. American football
    7. AFC West
    8. Los Angeles sports
    9. Playoff success
    10. Coaching success

    #Chargers #celebrate #playoff #berth #turnaround #Harbaugh

  • Hello, how can I help you today?
Gathering thoughts.. ...
Powered by AI
Chat Icon