Jim Harbaugh Hired As Chargers Coach: Odds, Trends

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh will leave his perch in Ann Arbor for the Los Angeles Chargers, reports indicated on Wednesday.

The leap came after Harbaugh was suspended two times for a total of six games last season after a recruiting violation and a sign stealing scandal. Michigan still went undefeated and won the national championship, but Harbaugh developed an ire toward the NCAA during this process.

The Chargers pick up the pieces after cleaning house completely midseason, firing head coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco in quick order.

Harbaugh had been the heavy favorite at DraftKings to end up with the Chargers should he decide to make a move to the NFL.

The mercurial head coach last worked in the NFL as head coach of the 49ers, where he made a Super Bowl, losing to his brother John. Jim left the 49ers with the third-best against the spread (ATS) record during his tenure as a head coach, going 42-27-3 for an 18% ROI. A $100 per game bettor could wager blindly on every single 49ers game under Harbaugh and come out a winner of $1,300.

The Chargers were considered the most attractive head coaching option available, not only due to the weather and amenities, but because of quarterback Justin Herbert and the other talent on the squad. That — and the autonomy Harbaugh will be afforded — were among massive factors that made Harbaugh the favorite to enter this position.

The coaching merry-go-round figures to amplify from here. Former Patriots czar Bill Belichick is the next name. He's interviewed with the Falcons twice and is the shortest favorite to end up as head coach and GM in Atlanta.