Jim Harbaugh has accepted the head coach job for the Los Angeles Chargers and will be leaving Michigan to return to the NFL. He may be taking a few coaches from the Michigan staff with him to LA.
A few different reporters have said that Wolverines defensive coordinator Jesse Minter and special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh (Jim’s son) are likely to follow Harbaugh to the Chargers.
While still TBD, I’d expect Michigan DC Jesse Minter and STC Jay Harbaugh to follow Jim Harbaugh to Los Angeles. There may be others, too. It’s my understanding that several Michigan assistants were working on expired contracts.
— Aaron McMann | MLive.com (@AaronMcMann) January 25, 2024
With Harbaugh going to the NFL:
-OC Sherrone Moore is a lock to become HC.
Both Harbaugh and Warde Manuel want that.
-DC Jesse Minter and Jay Harbaugh will likely join Harbaugh in LA.
-S&C coach Ben Herbert likely stays at UM, with most other assistants.
A new era has begun.— John U. Bacon (@Johnubacon) January 25, 2024
One of the big questions though is whether Michigan strength and conditioning coach Ben Herbert will follow Harbaugh. There is some mixed reporting regarding Herbert’s status.
Next question becomes: Who joins Jim Harbaugh in L.A.? Jesse Minter and Jay Harbaugh are the most likely. A big question is strength coach Ben Herbert, who makes $1 million at Michigan and has been credited for a lot of the program’s success.
— Austin Meek (@byAustinMeek) January 24, 2024
Greg Roman, who served as the Baltimore Ravens’ offensive coordinator from 2019-2022, could also serve as Jim’s offensive coordinator.
Jim Harbaugh is new #Chargers coach. Potential staff, per sources OC Greg Roman, DC Jesse Minter, ST Jay Harbaugh @KPRC2 https://t.co/g5BKojeoy7
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) January 24, 2024
Roman was on Harbaugh’s staff at Stanford from 2009-2010 and served as Harbaugh’s OC on the 49ers from 2011-2014.
Though Harbaugh may bring some of the coaches from his Michigan staff with him to the NFL, he might not go too crazy with that. Remember, Michigan was more than just a quick stop for Harbaugh in his coaching career; he is a Michigan alum and loves the school. He will want continuity with the program and for his former players to be well-positioned for success. Additionally, if Michigan ends up promoting Sherrone Moore to head coach, Harbaugh will probably want his former offensive coordinator to be well supported.