Charger Report

Jim Harbaugh's shocking NFL awards snub despite owning nominee Sean Payton's Broncos

Brian Letscher

Jan 15, 2025; Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh at a press conference at The Bolt.
Jan 15, 2025; Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh at a press conference at The Bolt. / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
In this story:

The NFL released the list of finalists for the NFL Coach of the Year honor, and surprisingly, Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh was not on it.

The five finalists include Dan Quinn (Commanders), Andy Reid (Chiefs), Kevin O'Connell (Vikings), Dan Campbell (Lions) and, interesting considering Harbaugh's snub, Sean Payton (Broncos).

RELATED: Chargers tabbed as free agent destination where Giants star could 'blow up'

As the season came to a close and the Chargers made the playoffs, the thought of Harbaugh not being a finalist seemed ridiculous to many.

With essentially the same talent from the team he took over a year ago, Harbaugh rallied the Chargers from 5-12 disaster to an 11-6 playoff team. A classic Harbaugh turnaround, the same thing he did at San Diego State, Stanford, San Francisco 49ers and Michigan Wolverines. College or pro, Harbaugh is the Turnaround King. That is coaching, plain and simple.

Nominating Sean Payton was not egregious. The Denver Broncos also came a long way and, yes, with a rookie quarterback. But let's not forget this was Payton's second year as their head man - that's one more year to get your talent in place to fit your system and establish your winning culture. Harbaugh did it Year One and he beat Payton's Broncos not once but twice this season -- 23-16 in October and 34-27 in December - wins that put them at one more on the season than the 10-7 Broncos.

Sean Payton
Nov 24, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton. / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The suspicion is that Jim Harbaugh doesn't give a darn about this award. It'd be nice, sure, but it's not what gets him up in the morning. He wants to win, period. But all competitors look for motivation, and maybe the snub will give him and his team a little extra juice - as if he needs it - to rise to the top just like he's done before.

More Los Angeles Chargers News:

Would Chargers cut Gus Edwards with J.K. Dobbins going to free agency?

Cooper Kupp might trump DK Metcalf on list of Chargers trade targets

Would Chargers' Joe Hortiz really blow big draft assets on risks like DK Metcalf?

DK Metcalf sparks more Chargers trade buzz reactions

Los Angeles Chargers could lose star defender to fierce rival

Khalil Mack reveal could be bad news for Joey Bosa

Published
Brian Letscher
BRIAN LETSCHER

A Michigan native, Brian graduated from the University of Michigan in another century, where he earned a degree in economics and a Rose Bowl Championship ring while playing football for the Wolverines under Head Coach Gary Moeller. Brian went on to coach Division 1A football for several years before becoming a full-time writer and actor while maintaining an unhealthy interest in sports. He is currently developing a scripted television series, THOSE WHO STAY, based on a series of historical fiction articles he wrote about Bo Schembechler's Michigan football program as they struggle to unite and win the championship - which requires beating #1 Ohio State - during the tumultuous civil rights and anti-war movements of 1969.

Home/Los Angeles Chargers Latest News