Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh went into the blue medical tent during Sunday's game against the Broncos. He then made a beeline for the locker room, leaving the NFL world concerned.
It wasn't immediately clear what was wrong with Harbaugh. It's certainly a rare sight for a coach to go into the medical tent. It's even rarer for said coach to exit entirely.
Here's video of Harbaugh leaving the field.
Right before kickoff, it appeared Jim Harbaugh went into the blue medical tent. pic.twitter.com/aoS0q4dkl2
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) October 13, 2024
Jim Harbaugh update: Chargers head coach had "atrial flutter" during Chargers game
A few minutes later, the Chargers cleared up the situation...slightly. Harbaugh was declared questionable to return with "illness." With Harbaugh indisposed, defensive coordinator Jesse Minter took over as the interim head coach. Minter was called into action immediately having to make a fourth down decision for the Chargers in Harbaugh's absence.
Jim Harbaugh left the game earlier with an illness. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter is serving as interim HC.
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) October 13, 2024
Quentin Johnston (ankle) is questionable to return
John Harbaugh, Jim's brother, was in the middle of his postgame press conference after the Ravens beat the Commanders. He cut that media availability short to check on his sibling.
#Ravens HC John Harbaugh was pulled out of his press conference. PR said it's for him to get on a call and find out what happened to Jim. pic.twitter.com/B0YSvghQuu https://t.co/ElemCcWBTr
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 13, 2024
The good news is, Harbaugh made his way back to the sideline before the end of the first quarter.
Jim Harbaugh returns after going to the locker room with an illness.
— Clayton Sayfie (@CSayf23) October 13, 2024
Jesse Minter was the Chargers’ acting head coach for the brief period in which Harbaugh was not on the sideline. pic.twitter.com/OMFwCol3g8
After the game, Harbaugh revealed what happened. He had an "atrial flutter," which basically means his heart was beating irregularly, either too fast or out of rhythm. This also isn't the first time this has happened during a game. He claimed he is "2-0" with arrythmias" because of a win with the 49ers when he dealt with the same issue.
HC Jim Harbaugh says he had an "atrial flutter" episode today and that his heart got back into normal rhythm after he walked off the field.
— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) October 13, 2024
He jokes: "I am medically qualified to talk about it."
"2-0 with arrythmias."-he says he had another one during a MNF game in SF. pic.twitter.com/qb0NzvXPbg
Arrythmias should never be taken lightly. They can be linked to much more serious health events, including strokes. It was a good thing Harbaugh had the Chargers training staff available in case this one took a turn.
It was a chaotic few minutes for both teams. In addition to Harbaugh's exit, the Broncos saw Patrick Surtain head for the locker room while the Chargers had to sent Quentin Johnston back for testing as well. Johnston had an ankle issue.
The Chargers improved to 3-2 to get back up over .500 and end a two-game losing streak. Having their head coach back on the sideline was the most important win.