JIM HARBAUGH WAS underqualified when he got the University of San Diego's head training task in late 2003– and the panel interviewing him understood it.
“For most of the group, he was not the leading prospect,” Dan Yourg, USD's senior associate director of sports for administration, stated of the committee made up of Toreros administrators and gamers.
Harbaugh, then 39, had actually just recently retired after playing 15 seasons in the NFL and remained in his 2nd season as an assistant quarterbacks coach with the Oakland Raiders. He had actually never ever been a head coach. Issue about his absence of experience dominated.
Harbaugh impressed the group with his interest and an uncommon level of preparation. He understood whatever about USD pass receiver Michael Gasperson– a member of the interview panel– from Gasperson's high school statistics to how he prepared to utilize him on offense.
“For somebody that had actually dipped into the greatest level … he had a humbleness about him, however likewise an excellent enthusiasm and strategy,” Yourg stated. “And once again, had actually done his research.”
One minute from that interview still stands out to Yourg 20-plus years later on. When inquired about his goals, Harbaugh informed them his supreme objective was to win a Super Bowl.
It was an unexpected admission, thinking about Harbaugh was speaking with for a college task where he could not win a Super Bowl, however Yourg stated it clarified his dedication to winning. Harbaugh understood the initial step towards his objective was ending up being a head coach.
“He stated that when he was boiling down to interview, [Raiders owner] Al Davis stated to him, ‘You're talking to at USD, not USC,' suggesting ‘What are you doing?'” Yourg stated. “And Jim stated, ‘Yeah, this is what I wish to do.'”
Harbaugh's character and vision encouraged the committee to employ him at USD. His 3 seasons with the Toreros consisted of 2 of the most effective seasons in program history.
“Phenomenal experience. Among the very best times of my life,” Harbaugh stated today of his period there.
More than 20 years given that his hire, the 60-year-old Harbaugh still hasn't satisfied his supreme objective of winning a Super Bowl, however he might have a possibility this season. Harbaugh has the Los Angeles Chargers (8-6) in playoff contention ahead of their match with the Denver Broncos on “Thursday Night Football” (8:15 p.m. ET, Prime Video).
In numerous methods, Harbaugh is the very same coach he was two-plus years earlier. Back then, he didn't have a track record of turning around programs, and his requiring training design drove away numerous gamers. Those who remained, nevertheless, had a front-row seat to Harbaugh's initial step in turning into one of the most effective football coaches of his age, a coach the Chargers hope has another organizational turn-around in his profession.
