Jim Harbaugh left the NFL to return to his alma mater, the University of Michigan, in 2015, intent on restoring the legacy of the program. Nearly nine full years later all the hard work paid off as Harbaugh’s Michigan Wolverines won the National Championship after a dominant 2023 season. In classic Harbaugh fashion, the long-time head coach ended his collegiate coaching career on top, returning to the NFL to coach the Los Angeles Chargers in pursuit of the one thing that has alluded his coaching career — the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
- Jason Reed
FanSided Content Director
How this fandom is changing sports
Jim Harbaugh is a culture changer. There is no other way to describe it. After decades of mediocrity, Harbaugh marched into Ann Arbor and turned Michigan into a powerhouse program once again. There are very few coaches in all of sports who would be able to do that. Harbaugh is now attempting to do the same with a Chargers franchise that has never won a Super Bowl and has built a track record of giving games away. If Harbaugh can achieve his goal in the next five years with the Chargers then it will be his biggest accomplishment yet.
What emotion defined this fandom this year?
Attacking each day with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind. Harbaugh is known for his “Harbaugh-isms” and none is more indicative of his place in the football landscape than his take on enthusiasm. Whether it be the Michigan Wolverines or the Los Angeles Chargers, Harbaugh is one of the best motivators in sports and can turn even the shyest players (looking at you, Justin Herbert) into bonafide, vocal leaders.