On January 8, Jim Harbaugh rewrote history. Not only did he claim the national championship, but he also sealed this prestigious title for the Michigan Wolverines for the first time since 1997. But as his time with the Wolverines came to an end, somewhere far away, the Los Angeles Chargers were gearing up to rewrite history with the coach, too. At least, that’s what ex-Raiders defensive star Akbar Gbajabiamila thinks will hush the roars of a 3-peat in the Chiefs camp.

As Kansas City is planning for another Super Bowl title, Gbajabiamila believes the noise from the Patrick Mahomes-led unit can be brought down by one AFC West competitor. And he is not talking about just humbling the Red Army but straight out, silencing them. “There’s one team that can punch them in the mouth and stop them from three-peating,” Gbajabiamila declared on The Rich Eisen’s Show, without naming who he was talking about.

The conversation was initiated when the former player asked Rich Eisen about his picks this season. To which, the host prompted Gbajabiamila to declare his choice. Despite admitting that it is a “hardball statement,” the former DE did not back down from his claim. His admission had Rich Eisen also converting to the side as the fellow Michigan alumni remarked, “You know what, you have me hello with that one. We have mentioned it here over and over again, last time Harbaugh joined the NFL as an HC, he plused the niners seven wins.”

In his first season with the 49ers, Harbaugh took a 6-10 team to a 13-3 record and the NFC Championship Game. As highlighted by former Raiders defensive end Gbajabiamila, “He wins everywhere,” highlighting the coach’s tenure with the USD, Stanford, and the Wolverines. In his 13 years as a college coach, he racked up a 118-46 stat, which many will agree is above average. With Harbaugh leading, the Chargers can make a splash this season. Rookies like offensive tackle Joe Alt and WR McConkey could be key contributors, as the offense disrupts the Chiefs’ defense.

And with the mandatory introductions already done and dusted during the teams’ offseason program, the common emotion in the dressing room seemed to back Gbajabiamila’s statements. “He’s done such a great job taking this team and getting them where he wants them to go. He’s won wherever he’s at. He’s a guy that everyone wants to follow and play for. So we’re really excited to get to play for him,” fifth-year quarterback Justin Herbert said.

As for the Kansas City Chiefs, the AFC is also full of hungry rivals. There is the Bills’ Josh Allen and the Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa led explosive offenses. Additionally, the potential Houston surprise with rookie QB C.J. Stroud and Ravens’ Lamar Jackson and Cincinnati Bengals’ Joe Burrow can make the AFC pretty daunting this season. But, the Chiefs are never to be underestimated as pointed out by Patrick Mahomes. They are “never the underdogs” and know what they are fighting for.

Surprisingly, though, Nick Wright doesn’t seem to have the same opinion.

Can Jim Harbaugh do it or can he not?

Jim Harbaugh has set his legacy in the game of football. He has 115 wins between his time at Stanford and Michigan and in the NFL arena, led the 49ers to three straight NFC Championship Game appearances (2011- 2013). While there are many more stats and records that vouch for the coach’s excellence, there is no doubt that the Chiefs will prove to be challenging as they meet the Chargers twice in the regular season (September 28, and December 8).

Even the former DE admitted that the Chiefs will go three-peat. He said, “It’s very, it’s very likely that these guys. They just drafted speed again. We didn’t see a lot of that last season with what they had going on, they have got deep threat. Ofcourse, he is a rookie but Patrick Mahomes just makes me excited…. but like think about what he has done in just a short span in the NFL. I mean we are witnessing greatness. There is Andy Reid as well.” Voicing the same statement is sports broadcaster Nick Wright, who refused to give Harbaugh the benefit of the doubt!

Is this the Charger year? Three years ago, when they got rid of Anthony Lynn to bring in Staley, that was going to be the moment. Now, it’s not the moment. It’s no one’s moment,” Wright said during an episode of the First Things First podcast. But if you ask Jim Harbaugh, he’s ready to bring it on. During his introductory press conference back in February this year, the 60-year-old had said, “It’s got to be multiple championships. We’re going to be humble and hungry, but that’s our goal.” 

However, if we are to look at history, the Chiefs have triumphed in eight of the last ten games against the Chargers. If we look at an overall score, the Chiefs hold a 68-56 over the Chargers, with a 54.4 % win percentage, over the Chargers’ 44.8 %.

So, the task at hand is definitely going to be an uphill battle for Jim Harbaugh. Do you think he’ll be able to turn around the team’s fortunes? Share your thoughts in the comments!