Jim Harbaugh is leveraging his connections from his time with the San Francisco 49ers as he shapes the coaching staff for the Los Angeles Chargers.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Harbaugh and the Chargers are eyeing former 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman for the position of linebackers coach. Bowman, who played under Harbaugh throughout the coach’s tenure in San Francisco, earned first-team All-Pro honors three times during their time together.
Bowman has already dabbled in coaching, having served as a defensive analyst at Maryland last season. While transitioning to the role of linebackers coach would mark a significant step for him, Harbaugh’s familiarity with Bowman suggests confidence in his ability to adapt to the new role.
During their time with the 49ers, Bowman was a key figure in Harbaugh’s formidable defense. Their collaboration saw the 49ers reach the NFC Championship game in each of their initial three seasons together. However, Bowman’s absence due to a torn ACL and MCL in the 2014 season, sustained in the preceding year’s NFC Championship, contributed to a relatively challenging campaign for the 49ers.
Harbaugh’s inclination to draw from his network of former 49ers associates suggests that Bowman may not be the only familiar face he taps into while assembling his Chargers staff.
