“We’re going to be a tough team, a resilient team, a relentless team, a physical team; that’s what we’re going to aspire to be.” In the very first news conference of the Los Angeles Chargers, head coach Jim Harbaugh shared his future plans with his team. And since he joined the team, the players are happy with their head coach. Why? Well, recently Derwin James answered it.

During a recent episode of Dan Patrick Show, guest host Ryan Leaf asked Derwin about the cultural shift after welcoming Jim Harbaugh at the helm. To which, the safety replied, “Everybody is playing free. Nobody is playing uptight, and we are just creating that family environment. Coach (Jim) Harbaugh, he’s…creating a family environment that I’ve never been around in the NFL in my seven years so, man, it’s just been a lot of fun. And when you can make it about family, man, you’re just going to do that much harder for that person.”

Well, that’s true. Earlier, Harbaugh had also mentioned that he treats his players as his own children. So, this helps him stay well-connected with his team, nurturing them for big roles. Even Leaf will also agree to this, who, in the show, revealed that Jim Harbaugh was a backup to him in San Diego. And guess what? He taught Leaf how to be professional.

Derwin James also relates to this, as he described Jim Harbaugh as someone who truly leads by example – even joining in on physically demanding drills, like pulling sleds, alongside the players. James even emphasized that this effort from Harbaugh isn’t just occasional – it’s been a constant since offseason training began.

So, what stood out to Derwin James was Jim Harbaugh’s authenticity and connection with the team. But the question is, does he connect well? So, from rocking an impressive collection of Jordan cleats, likely a nod to his Michigan days, to actively participating in workouts, Harbaugh’s involvement shows he’s fully invested. Hence, it helps to connect with his players on a personal level.

That’s why the Chargers’s safety admires Harbaugh not only as a coach but as a leader who can inspire and impact an entire organization. To him, Harbaugh is one of a kind in his ability to connect with players and set the tone for success. So, on the other way round, the team is lucky to have him as the head coach. However, the Chicago Bears have been unlucky in this regard.

Did the Chicago Bears lose the Jim Harbaugh chance?

Jim Harbaugh has always been a winner, but not everyone finds it easy to work with him. His past with Kevin Warren, then Big Ten commissioner, wasn’t exactly friendly. The most problematic situation came when during Warren’s tenure as commissioner, the NCAA investigated Michigan to find out if the HC had any “impermissible recruiting contacts” during the pandemic. But now, this rivalry seems to have followed them in the NFL.

Earlier this year, Harbaugh wanted to coach the Chicago Bears. But Kevin Warren, now the team president, reportedly shut it down. Their old differences from Michigan days spilled into the league. Instead, Harbaugh joined the Chargers, and what a difference it’s made. The team is in playoff contention, while the Raiders and Bears, who passed on him, are struggling.

And to the worst? The Bears just fired their coach Matt Eberflus after a disastrous Thanksgiving game. So, now these all might have compelled them to rethink their decision on Jim Harbaugh.