Jim Harbaugh explains why Chargers are way ahead of schedule in 2025 already

In this story:
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh wasn’t pulling any punches this week as rookies got to work.
Harbaugh hit on a wide range of topics in interviews, but perhaps the most interesting was suggesting that this version of the Chargers is far, far ahead of last year’s squad.
Understandable, considering this is Year 2 of the Jim Harbaugh experience in LA.
"Just love the way guys are moving around," Harbaugh said, according to Omar Navarro of Chargers.com. "It looks really good. We picked up too, in a lot of ways, where we left off compared to last year when we were first starting and we were installing some systems.”
RELATED: Were Chargers one of the team's laughing at the idea of a George Pickens trade?
Harbaugh added this: "Defensively, it's like we just played the Texans. That's where we are system-wise. Now we're there and building. Same with the offense."
While it makes sense, it’s also interesting to consider just how much roster churn the Chargers underwent this offseason, too.
Harbaugh and Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz, after all, added nine new draft picks, a variety of free agents and nearly 20 undrafted free agents while reformulating the roster more to their liking again.
RELATED: Chargers legend boldly predicts Jim Harbaugh ends LA's AFC West struggles
Like Harbaugh says, though, the advantage compared to last year is that the coaching staff gets to build on the previous year of systems and the returning players aren’t learning everything from scratch.
And if last year’s on-the-fly chaos still produced that playoff berth, Chargers fans should feel more encouraged than usual about Harbaugh’s comments here.

— Enjoy free coverage of the Chargers from Los Angeles Chargers on SI —
More Los Angeles Chargers News:
What draft experts said about new Chargers RB Omarion Hampton
Chargers' defense predicted to take a small step backwards in 2025
D is for disappointment when it comes to grading Chargers' 2025 offseason
What draft experts said about new Chargers TE Oronde Gadsden II
Chargers' Omarion Hampton already projected to win major awards in Justin Herbert's offense

Chris Roling has covered the NFL since 2010 with stints at Bleacher Report, USA TODAY Sports Media Group and others. Raised a Bengals fan in the '90s, the Andy Dalton era was smooth sailing by comparison. He graduated from the E. W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University and remains in Athens.
Follow Chris_Roling