Jim Harbaugh opened his first statement as head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers by reflecting on his love for Michigan, his alma mater.

Harbaugh released a statement through Chargers communications as the team announced his hiring as the club’s new head coach.

“My love for Michigan, playing there and coming back to coach there, leaves a lasting impact. I’ll always be a loyal Wolverine,” said Harbaugh. “I’m remarkably fortunate to have been afforded the privilege of coaching at places where life’s journey has created strong personal connections for me.

“From working as an assistant coach at Western Kentucky alongside my father, Jack, and time as an assistant with the Raiders, to being a head coach at USD, Stanford, the 49ers and Michigan — each of those opportunities carried significance, each felt personal. When I played for the Chargers, the Spanos family could not have been more gracious or more welcoming. Being back here feels like home, and it’s great to see that those things haven’t changed.

“The only job you start at the top is digging a hole, so we know we’ve got to earn our way. Be better today than yesterday. Be better tomorrow than today. My priorities are faith, family and football, and we are going to attack each with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind. This organization is putting in the work — investing capital, building infrastructure and doing everything within its power to win. Great effort equals great results, and we’re just getting started.”

Harbaugh leaves U-M after nine seasons as a head coach. As mentioned in his statement, Harbaugh has plenty of West Coast familiarity as a former Chargers player and coach at San Diego, Stanford and the San Francisco 49ers.

As a college head coach, Harbaugh is 144-52. He went 44-19-1 with the 49ers from 2011-14.