Does Jim Harbaugh Have a Prior Connection With Chargers’ Owners, Spanos Family? Exploring the Stanford Ties

The Los Angeles Chargers’ new HC Jim Harbaugh has a long-standing connection with the Chargers. The Michigan star is not new to the NFL. He played as a QB in the NFL for 14 years before donning the coaching role. In the last two years as QB, he represented the Chargers (back then, San Diego Chargers). After joining college football and proving his worth at the University of San Diego, he joined Stanford in 2006.

The Chargers owner Dean Spanos’ nephew Michael Spanos II once graced the football stage with Jim Harbaugh. He is the son of Michael Spanos, who is a business advisor to the Chargers. However, Jim Harbaugh’s connection with the billionaire Spanos family somewhat dates back to his days at Stanford University.

Michael Spanos II started playing the sport in junior school and never looked back. After giving out incredible football performances in Sophomore years, he joined the ranks of Stanford in 2007. Coincidently, Jim Harbaugh started at Stanford in the same year and stayed with them in 2011. This was the time when Harbaugh took the reins of a struggling franchise. He won the Orange Bowl with the Cardinals in 2011.

As for Michael Spanos’ son, he went to Stanford after being lettered in football (San Joaquin Athletic Association’s MVP) at Lincoln High School. At Stanford, he played running back for the Cardinal football team.

While there is no mention of his interaction with Harbaugh, Spanos’ association with the team in different capacities hints that the two crossed paths several times. Michael Spanos II was active on Stanford’s 2011 Football Roster.

Coming back to Jim Harbaugh, the coach has all the reasons to make a comeback at the Spanos empire. Dean Spanos himself acknowledged the history and feels that Harbaugh is the anchor for a smooth sail ahead.

Dean Spanos got the right man for the Chargers

After parting ways with Michigan Wolverines, Harbaugh said, “Always be a loyal Wolverine.” On joining the Chargers back again, Jim Harbaugh felt gracious and admitted, “When I played for the Chargers, the Spanos family could not have been more gracious or more welcoming.” Dean Spanos came forward and felt confident while saying, “I can think of no better to lead the Chargers forward.”

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Dean Spanos praised Jim Harbaugh and added he is, “Football personified.” The trio of Jim Harbaugh, Dean Spanos, and Michael Spanos II have to tread deep waters to take the Chargers back to their glory days since their lone Super Bowl appearance in the 1994 season. Hopefully, next season.

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