Following a 24–16 loss to the Buffalo Bills, the Los Angeles Chargers sit at 0–3 at the bottom of the AFC West. While much of the media blame has, and perhaps rightfully so, fallen on the players, it is time to evaluate Jim Harbaugh and his future with the franchise.
Hired in 2024 after winning a national championship at Michigan, Harbaugh led Los Angeles to postseason appearances in each of his first two seasons, though both runs ended in early exits. Entering the year with top-10 Super Bowl odds, an 0–3 start makes the Chargers one of the NFL’s biggest disappointments, and makes a hard look at Harbaugh’s leadership entirely fair game.
Harbaugh does not call plays on either offense or defense, those duties belong to offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel and defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary, leaving game management, overarching strategy, and player accountability in his hands. Through these first three weeks, the Chargers have looked like an undisciplined team, which has led to a multitude of miscues.
The Chargers have the most false starts in the NFL and rank in the top half in total penalties earned, after ranking fourth in pre-snap penalties in 2025. A recurring theme in many of the Chargers' losses, including the defeat against Buffalo, has been a string of dropped passes by open receivers. While Harbaugh isn't dialing up the calls, the team's ongoing lack of execution and preparation falls squarely on the head coach.
While the team-building is obviously the responsibility of the general manager, there are conversations that take place between the GM and the head coach. I have been less than impressed with the recent acquisitions of the team, with the Chargers' biggest offensive move of the offseason signing a fullback to a two-year deal, while they opted to let Keenan Allen walk, who had chemistry with Justin Herbert and was coming off a solid season.
It is also important to note that while Harbaugh “hit the ground running” in his first season with the Chargers, he did not inherit a bottom-of-the-barrel team with no signs of upside that he magically transformed into a contender. Sure, the Chargers missed the postseason in 2023 prior to his hiring, but just one year earlier, they won 10 games and earned a playoff spot. The roster included plenty of talent, including multiple Pro Bowlers in Justin Herbert, Derwin James, Joey Bosa, and Khalil Mack.
Over the last twenty years, only five head coaches who were not primary play-callers have hoisted the Lombardi Trophy. It is fair to ask whether the Chargers would have a higher ceiling with a dynamic play-caller leading the coaching staff. Look at the impact Ben Johnson made after taking over the Bears, or how Mike Macdonald built a Super Bowl-winning defense with the Seahawks. Of course, the blame doesn't rest entirely on Harbaugh, injuries, poor offensive line play, and persistent drops have all played a role. But when a team forces five turnovers and still manages to lose, the head coach naturally finds himself on the hot seat. It raises an uncomfortable question for Los Angeles: how much time does Jim Harbaugh actually have left?
