Jim Harbaugh

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Jim Harbaugh

Q: What are Jim Harbaugh’s most notable achievements as a head coach?

Jim Harbaugh is known for his ability to turn around struggling teams, and he had success at both the professional and college levels. In the NFL , he led the San Francisco 49ers to an appearance in Super Bowl XLVII in 2013. At the college level, he coached the University of Michigan to a national championship in 2024. His coaching style is characterized as quirky, confrontational, and intensely competitive, emphasizing team unity.

Q: Did Jim Harbaugh play in the NFL?

Jim Harbaugh was a quarterback in the NFL for 15 seasons. He was the 26th overall pick in the 1987 NFL draft, selected by the Chicago Bears . Initially a backup, he became the starting quarterback in 1990. He later played for the Indianapolis Colts , Baltimore Ravens , San Diego Chargers (now Los Angeles Chargers), and Carolina Panthers . Notably, while with the Colts in 1995, he was selected to play in the Pro Bowl. Harbaugh retired after the 2001 season.

Q: What NFL teams has Jim Harbaugh coached?

Jim Harbaugh served as QB coach for the Oakland Raiders (now Las Vegas Raiders) for two seasons (2002–03). In 2011 he became head coach of the San Francisco 49ers. He finished his first season with a 13–3 record and ended the team’s eight-year playoff drought. The 49ers reached Super Bowl XLVII in the 2012–13 season, ultimately losing to the Baltimore Ravens , a team coached by his brother, John Harbaugh. In late 2014 Jim Harbaugh became head coach at Michigan , but he returned to the NFL in 2024 as head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers .

American football coach

Also known as: James Joseph Harbaugh

Written by Nicholas Gisonna, Amy Tikkanen•All

Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Jan 8, 2025 • Article History

Quick Facts

In full:: James Joseph Harbaugh

Born:: December 23, 1963, Toledo, Ohio, U.S. (age 61)

Education:: University of Michigan

Height/Weight:: 6 ft 3 inches, 215 lb (1.90 m, 97 kg)

Throws:: right-handed

What are Jim Harbaugh’s most notable achievements as a head coach?

Did Jim Harbaugh play in the NFL?

What NFL teams has Jim Harbaugh coached?

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Jim Harbaugh (born December 23, 1963, Toledo, Ohio, U.S.) is an American football coach who has had success at both the professional and college level and is especially known for turning around struggling teams. Under his leadership, the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers appeared in Super Bowl XLVII (2013) and the University of Michigan won a national championship (2024). Later in 2024 Harbaugh became the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers. He previously was a quarterback in the NFL, playing for 15 seasons (1987–2001). Jim Harbaugh is the second of three children born to Jackie (née Cipiti) and Jack Harbaugh. ...(100 of 1766 words)

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