Chargers’ Jim Harbaugh goes all-in defending Justin Herbert!

The 2024 season for the Los Angeles Chargers exceeded expectations, especially with their first-year head coach, Jim Harbaugh, leading them to surpass their projected win total. However, the season ended in disappointment when the Chargers fell to the Houston Texans during Wild Card Weekend. What stung even more was the performance of quarterback Justin Herbert, who threw four interceptions in the loss. This loss sparked widespread criticism, with some questioning Herbert’s ability to perform in high-pressure situations.

Despite the tough end to their season, Chargers leadership, including Harbaugh, refuses to be discouraged by one game.

Jim Harbaugh Pushes Back Against Criticism of Herbert

Harbaugh didn’t mince words when discussing the criticism directed at Herbert after the loss. “Completely unfair,” Harbaugh said, defending his quarterback. “I wouldn’t spend two more seconds thinking about what happened in that game. It didn’t go good, and that’s on me, that’s my responsibility, that’s my accountability. I really felt going into that tournament that we were as good as the best teams in the playoffs. Not just as good as any team, but as good as the best teams in the playoffs.”

Harbaugh acknowledged that his team didn’t perform at their best on the day of the game. “That day, we were not the better team that day. That’s my responsibility. We did not play complementary football well enough. My responsibility. We weren’t our best when our best was needed. Again, my responsibility. But Justin Herbert? I agree with (Barstool Sports’) Big Cat, when he said … if you’re selling Justin Herbert, then he’s buying. Completely concur with that statement.”

Harbaugh further emphasized that Herbert had been a tremendous asset to the Chargers, saying, “We did him a disservice and didn’t put him in the positions to be successful enough, but he played like a beast. There’s nobody in this entire organization who gives more blood, sweat, and tears and contributes more, produces more for the entire organization than Justin Herbert.”

Harbaugh’s Deep Respect for Herbert

Jim Harbaugh has consistently praised Herbert’s work ethic and leadership. As a former NFL quarterback himself, Harbaugh understands the challenges of playing the position, and he’s made it clear that one rough game won’t tarnish his belief in Herbert’s ability.

The respect for Herbert extends beyond Harbaugh. Chargers General Manager Joe Hortiz also spoke out against the negative narrative surrounding Herbert’s playoff performance.

“I hear the narrative and all that, but there’s a lot of great quarterbacks in this league that may not have had the ideal start to their playoff career,” Hortiz said. “Peyton Manning was 0-3 his first five years. Lamar Jackson’s, it was 0-2. So if we’re going to set a narrative on Justin off of two playoff games, that’s absurd. What I watch this guy do, he’s phenomenal, he’s a phenomenal competitor, leader, playmaker. We’ll roll with him. They’re gonna roll me outta here before they roll him outta here, I can promise you that. He’s special, and special things are ahead for him. Book it.”

Retaining Key Players for 2025

The Chargers are already looking ahead to the 2025 season, with plans to build on the success they enjoyed in 2024. While Herbert’s future in Los Angeles is secure, the team will have to focus on retaining other key pieces, including veteran edge rusher Khalil Mack.

Harbaugh and Hortiz made it clear that bringing Mack back for the 2025 season is a priority. “I don’t know if it’s possible to get everybody back, but I wanna get as darn close as possible … and nobody more than Khalil Mack,” Harbaugh stated.

Mack was an instrumental part of the Chargers’ defense in 2024, and Harbaugh and the front office will need to make a strong push to convince him to return to Los Angeles next year.

Chargers’ Evolving Identity Under Harbaugh

Under Jim Harbaugh’s leadership, the Chargers’ identity evolved significantly. The team became known for its tough, physical defense and its ability to win games with a balanced approach offensively. However, to take the next step in 2025 and contend for a Super Bowl, the Chargers will need to prove that Herbert’s disappointing playoff performance was just an anomaly.

Harbaugh remains confident in his quarterback’s potential and the team’s overall trajectory. “There’s no doubt in my mind,” he said. “We’re going to come back stronger. We’ve got the right pieces, and we’re going to keep pushing to be one of the top teams in this league.”