The Harbaugh Way: How Jim Harbaugh modeled the Chargers after his brother’s Ravens is evident as the younger sibling’s team prepares to face off against John Harbaugh’s squad. The matchup has sparked a wave of nostalgic comparisons, reminiscent of the famous Spider-Man meme circulating on social media.
[Related: Here’s what happened in past Jim Harbaugh-John Harbaugh meetings]
Under the leadership of defensive coordinator Minter, the Chargers have emerged as a formidable force, limiting opponents to a league-best average of 14.5 points per game. Meanwhile, quarterback Justin Herbert has thrived under Jim Harbaugh’s mentorship, positioning himself as a strong contender for the MVP award with one of the most impressive seasons of his career.
Jim Harbaugh is confident in Herbert’s abilities, asserting that he is not only among the best in the current league but also ranks among the greatest quarterbacks in history.
“It is what it is — I mean, enjoy it,” Harbaugh remarked. “He’s not only one of the best in the game currently. He’s one of the best of all time.”
The impact of Jim Harbaugh on the Chargers has been profound, instilling a sense of confidence and belief within the franchise that has struggled in recent years. Defensive end Joey Bosa, one of the team’s longest-serving players, has noticed a shift in the team’s culture since Jim took the helm.
“He’s won wherever he’s been,” Bosa stated. “He had a really good plan coming into the season. Everybody is on the same page, every single coach. There’s no pointing fingers. There’s no talking behind closed doors. … It’s hard to pick one thing out, but I think through experience and hard work builds confidence.”
Despite the Chargers’ newfound optimism and aspirations for a Super Bowl run, the franchise has faced challenges in establishing consistent success, with only one playoff victory in the past decade—a thrilling 23-17 win over the Ravens in the 2018 AFC wild card game.
John Harbaugh anticipates a competitive battle against his younger brother, acknowledging the tough upbringing that shaped Jim’s resilience. “Most of the time, I had the edge on him in growth, until we got to be 18 and 19,” John recalled. “I’d hold him down and stuff. And he had this technique called the crab technique. He’d basically get on his back, and he’d get his hands and feet up there and fend me off. I couldn’t get to him — he was really athletic.”
“So, I came up with something. We had these big brown corduroy pillows that we grew up with in the basement. And I’d take the pillows, swipe his feet out, pin him and get back on top of him. I’d forgotten about it. I did not remember it. But when you’re the younger brother, that’s the kind of thing you remember. So, I take a little bit of credit for his toughness. He’s probably one of the toughest people I know.”
While the Harbaugh brothers share a similar coaching philosophy, running back J.K. Dobbins has noted distinct differences in Jim’s approach. “He’s unique,” Dobbins shared with “The Herd.” “He’s a lot different than his brother. As far as the work we put in, it’s almost the same. It’s identical. But as far as him and his brother, he’s unique. I’ve never met anyone quite like Coach Jim Harbaugh — and I mean that in an amazing way.”
“I remember in the spring he’s out there working with us, like getting it in. And he’s serious, though, he’s not just bull-crapping around. He’s actually trying to get this work in and get better. He’s different. He’s genuine. Some of the things he says might come off as funny, but he’s real. It’s great. I love him as a coach and as a person. He’s the best.”
