Jim Harbaugh awards former Ohio State rival game ball in NFL return
Jim Harbaugh completely changed the trajectory of the Michigan Wolverines program. After finally leading them to a College Football Playoff championship last season, he decided to take on a new challenge accepting the head coaching position with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Harbaugh’s track record as a head coach in both college and the NFL is impressive, to say the least. So, it’s no surprise the Chargers won their home opener against the Las Vegas Raiders 23-10, in a convincing victory to start his return to the NFL.
Harbaugh has always been known for attacking opponents with a strong run game. And on Sunday, the game plan was no different.
Ironically, it was former Ohio State star J.K. Dobbins — who has had his last 3 NFL seasons cut short due to injury as a member of the Baltimore Ravens — who stole the show for L.A. on Sunday.
Harbaugh may be the former Michigan head coach and Dobbins is a former Buckeye, but now the two are on the same team so the rivalry doesn’t matter. The first-year Chargers coach had a special moment in the locker room after the game, presenting Dobbins with the game ball after his huge day.
Michigan 🤝 Ohio State
This was a cool scene in the @chargers locker room Sunday. #B1GFootball pic.twitter.com/rWnaxGkXl1
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) September 9, 2024
Dobbins finished with 10 carries for 135 yards and a touchdown in an impressive Week 1 performance for the Chargers. Signing with LA reunited Dobbins with OC Greg Roman, who held the same position with the Ravens while Dobbins was in Baltimore.
In years past, the Chargers relied heavily on the arm of Justin Herbert to win games, but despite the former Oregon QB showing incredible talent, the team continued to fall short. Harbaugh hasn’t been shy about his affinity for Herbert, but it’s clear the coach will continue to rely on his ground game philosophy with the Chargers.