One former NFL quarterback is ecstatic about the Chargers hiring of Jim Harbaugh when it comes to Justin Herbert.
Los Angeles made it official on Wednesday, luring Harbaugh back to the NFL after winning a national championship with Michigan and ESPN analyst Robert Griffin III believed the move might help no one more than the Chargers’ biggest star.
“Jim Harbaugh being the Head Coach of the @chargers may be the best thing that’s ever happened to Justin Herbert,” Griffin wrote on X. “Harbaugh will build the roster from the trenches out, is a master of establishing a GRIT BASED CULTURE and wins without asking the QB to be SUPERMAN EVERY PLAY.”
For one thing, Harbaugh is a former Pro Bowl quarterback in the NFL, who went to a Super Bowl with the unheralded Colin Kaepernick under center with the 49ers.
Herbert, who has been coached by former NFL running back Antony Lynn and Brandon Staley during his four seasons with the Chargers, is coming off his worst professional season.
A hand injury limited him to a career-low 13 games, leading to him throwing for a career-worst 3,134 yards and 20 touchdowns when getting sacked on 6 percent of his passing attempts — the highest rate of his career.
Los Angeles finished a disappointing 5-12 this past season.
Herbert, a first-round pick in 2020, has proven he has the talent to be one of the best quarterbacks in the league by winning Offensive Rookie of the Year and then being named an All-Pro and leading the Chargers to the playoffs last season.
He is likely the most gifted QB that Harbaugh has coached.
Harbaugh’s time at Michigan wasn’t filled with star quarterbacks, but J.J. McMarthy shined in his system the past two seasons with help from a strong offensive line and dynamic run game that kept him from needing to carry the team the way a Caleb Williams needed to for USC.
The Chargers are hoping Harbaugh can unlock Herbert’s true potential and get the franchise back on track in the process.