Chargers News: Player-Turned-LA Coach Could Give 2024 Bolts Unique Perspective

The Los Angeles Chargers added a whole new coaching staff in the last few weeks. Head coach Jim Harbaugh and the front office wasted no time putting the pieces together for their coaching staff.

All of their hires seem like a slam dunk. It may not seem like it now, but one of their most underrated hires may be their new linebacker's coach and former NFL All-Pro NaVorro Bowman. Bowman may not have significant coaching experience yet; the Athletics' Daniel Popper views this hire as possibly the most important due to being a former player.

Bowman is a fascinating hire. He was a four-time first-team All-Pro as a player with the

San Francisco 49ers

. Three of those seasons came while playing for Harbaugh. This will be Bowman’s first coaching job in the

NFL

. The creativity and outside-the-box thinking of the hire outweighs any concern about inexperience. The reality is players gravitate toward former players. Success as a player does not always translate to success as a coach. But coaches who have been in those positions as players can have a much easier time connecting with current players. This presence was missing from Brandon Staley’s staff in 2023. Staley moved on from two former NFL players on his staff, defensive coordinator Renaldo Hill and linebackers coach Michael Wilhoite, after the 2022 season. Both coaches were beloved by players in the locker room. Former Chargers center Nick Hardwick also announced on Instagram that he has been hired as Harbaugh’s assistant offensive line coach. Harbaugh’s targeting former players with pedigree will be a beneficial strategy.

via The Athletic

Bowman may only have a little coaching experience, but he knows what it takes to be great at his position. More importantly, he knows what being with a Harbaugh-led team is like.

Harbaugh coached Bowman from 2011 to 2014 when the 60-year-old head coach led the San Francisco 49ers to three NFC Championship games in four seasons.

Under coach Harbaugh, Bowman was named a two-time Pro Bowler and a three-time First-team All-Pro. The 35-year-old LB coach will be able to connect with players like other coaches may be unable to. He understands what they're going through, which will help them build a better bond.

It may take a while, but under the leadership of Harbaugh and Bowman could work his way up the ranks in no time.