Jim Harbaugh Inches Closer to “All-Star” Dream by Hiring Joe Hortiz’s Confidant as SR. Offensive Asst.

During his introductory press conference, Jim Harbaugh emphasized the importance of assembling a seasoned staff for the Chargers, making it clear that his top priority is forming a team of coaching professionals. He articulated, “We want an All-Star staff that’s worthy to coach our players.” 

Recent developments suggest he’s making strides in this direction. Harbaugh made significant progress in finalizing his coaching roster with the Chargers, revealing 11 new additions to his staff while also affirming the retention of three existing positions. 

Jim Harbaugh hires former Ravens coach 

Returning to the NFL after an absence of seven years, Marc Trestman re-enters the scene with the Los Angeles Chargers. The team announced on Wednesday that Trestman will be joining Jim Harbaugh’s coaching staff as a senior offensive assistant. Marc Trestman collaborated with Joe Hortiz during his coaching tenure with the Ravens, while also working alongside Harbaugh during his time in Oakland. Notably, Trestman played a pivotal role in launching Jim Harbaugh’s coaching journey, hiring him as an offensive assistant with the Las Vegas Raiders back in 2002. Previously, Trestman served as head coach for the Bears during the 2013 and 2014 seasons, steering the team to a combined 13-19 record. 

Despite a promising start, highlighted by the Bears boasting the league’s No. 2 scoring offense in 2013, Trestman faced locker-room discord in 2014, leading to his dismissal. Following his time in Chicago, he spent two seasons as the Ravens’ offensive coordinator before exiting the NFL scene at the end of the 2016 season. Trestman also enjoyed success in the CFL, where he coached both the Montreal Alouettes and the Toronto Argonauts. His accomplishments in Canada include earning two Coach of the Year awards and securing three Grey Cup championships.

Chargers reveal new coaching additions

Coach Jim Harbaugh orchestrated significant changes to the Chargers’ coaching staff, unveiling both additions and departures. Special teams coordinator Ryan Ficken, his assistant Chris Gould, and defensive quality control coach Robert Muschamp remain from the previous season. Notably absent is Giff Smith, the outside linebackers coach and interim head coach post-Brandon Staley’s departure. Smith, with eight seasons under his belt with the Chargers, coached linebackers and defensive linemen. Harbaugh, fresh off leading the University of Michigan to a national championship, took the helm on January 24. 

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Among the new appointments, Andy Bischoff steps in as the running game and tight ends coordinator from the New York Giants. NaVorro Bowman, a former All-Pro linebacker under Harbaugh’s tenure with the San Francisco 49ers, assumes the linebackers coach role. Steve Clinkscale, who worked alongside Harbaugh at Michigan, now oversees defensive backs. Shane Day returns as quarterbacks coach, reuniting with Justin Herbert after a stint with the Houston Texans. Other appointments include Mike Devlin as offensive line coach, Mike Elston handling the defensive line, and Sanjay Lal as wide receivers coach. Rick Minter joins as senior defensive analyst, while Chris O’Leary takes charge of safeties. Dylan Roney, with experience as a graduate assistant coach at Michigan, joins as a defensive assistant coach.

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