The Los Angeles Chargers demolished the New England Patriots 40-7 to secure the team’s first playoff appearance in two years. This means that head coach Jim Harbaugh will be going to the playoffs in his first year in LA. It’ll also be Harbaugh’s first NFL postseason appearance since 2013 when he was the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers.
One of the first people he celebrated the win with was general manager Joe Hortiz, with whom he shared a hug in the locker room after the game.
“I love the high five… but I needed a hug from Joe [Hortiz],” Harbaugh said during the Chargers’ post-game press conference. “He’s the same brilliant guy every single day. He’s a team guy all the way. He takes no deep, long bows, but he should. He should take a very deep, long bow for just how good he is and what he’s been able to do with this team.”
Harbaugh gave credit to long-time members of the Los Angeles Chargers, highlighting the leadership of the team’s biggest stars.
maybe the only one who has it better than us is future us. pic.twitter.com/TGiBwhGVxT
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) December 28, 2024
“All the players that were here last year. They’re the ones who’ve led us, and it’s been their leadership that has motivated us and kept us going,” he explained. “I can’t give enough credit to Derwin James and Justin Herbert. Those two in particular. And Khalil Mack and Rashawn Slater. I mean, stalwarts.”
As you would expect from an NFL head coach, Harbaugh didn’t spend too much time celebrating.
“It’s onward,” he said. “Keep grinding. Keep tightening it up. As we move forward, that’s our mission now. 11 [wins] sounds better than ten, so we’re going to go get ourselves prepared for our next game.”
The Chargers will now have seven days off before facing the Las Vegas Raiders on January 5th, 2025 in Vegas.
