Even before taking the field, Jim Harbaugh is already making an impression! The former Michigan coach will lead the Chargers in 2024. It will be Harbaugh’s second stint as an NFL head coach after his unceremonious 49ers exit. Harbaugh’s reputation is that of a winner and he is already one of the favorite candidates to win a major NFL honor!

As per USA Today, Jim Harbaugh is a massive favorite to bag the NFL Coach of the Year award. Interestingly, Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn is a massive underdog! Similar to Harbaugh, Quinn is also returning to the head coach role with the Commanders after his six-year run with the Atlanta Falcons. Quinn’s amazing work as the Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator earned him the Washington Job. Under him, defensive players like Micah Parsons thrived, and the team made playoffs each season (2021-23).

In 2021, Dan Quinn also won the Assistant Coach of the Year. Hence, there isn’t any doubt about the 53-year-old’s coaching credentials. It is more a reflection of how bad of a shape the Commanders are in at the moment. Under Ron Rivera, the franchise had an abysmal 4 wins and 13 losses record. Another stat that will dishearten the Commanders’ faithful is that the team conceded 518 points while scoring only 329 points.

Though incoming players like Jayden Daniels (QB), Jer’Zhan Newton (DT), and Mike Sainristil (DB) will help, Quinn has a herculean task on his hands to turn the tides! Comparatively, Jim Harbaugh’s job is slightly easier with stars like Justin Herbert, Joey Bosa, and Derwin James already well settled in with the squad. Perhaps that gives the 60-year-old an edge over the likes of Dan Quinn or Jerod Mayo who will start their head coaching journey at a new franchise.

Ex-Commanders legend thinks Jim Harbaugh will succeed at the Chargers

On the latest ‘The Stinkin Truth Podcast’ episode, Mark Schlereth discussed Jim Harbaugh’s chances of success this season. The 58-year-old praised Jim for his tough calls on getting rid of star players like Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. According to Schlereth, bringing in youngsters like Gus Edwards and Joe Alt is a big step towards a shift in the team’s culture. “The best thing they’ve got going for them, and I’m a believer in this, is they’ll have an identity,” said the three-time Super Bowl winner.

“There is a comfort in having an identity and I do believe that is what Jim Harbaugh will establish,” added Mark Schlereth. Mark is echoing what Justin Herbert told ESPN’s Kris Rhim in a previous interview. Herbert appreciates his new head coach’s winning record and said Harbaugh “won wherever he’s at.” Even Shawne Merriman, the former Chargers linebacker, was impressed with Jim’s “leadership.”

The hype surrounding Jim Harbaugh is unreal! The Ohio native’s first job is to improve the LA Chargers’ 5-12 record from 2023. If he can actually lead the team to the playoffs, Harbaugh will surely be a big favorite to win the NFL Coach of the Year award.