REPORT: NFL rumors: The coach who isn’t Jim Harbaugh and is a “prime” candidate for the Chargers

Who will coach the Los Angeles Chargers going forward? Jim Harbaugh, the football coach of Michigan, has been linked to the job. Harbaugh is now focused on leading the Wolverines in the national championship game. Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano of ESPN, however, claim that another contender has surfaced.

Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, “is expected to be a prime candidate,” according to the ESPN piece. Johnson attended North Carolina for his college career and has since held a number of coaching positions in both the NFL and colleges. After rising through the ranks with the Lions, he appears to be a top contender for head coaching positions across the league.

Following Brandon Staley’s recent firing by the Chargers, several well-known players have been floated as potential successors. Bill Belichick, the head coach of the New England Patriots, has also been mentioned as a potential replacement for Jim Harbaugh. Johnson isn’t as well-known, of course, but he might be a good choice.

Ultimately, it is impossible to predict what the future holds for Belichick and Harbaugh. Going with someone like Johnson, who might have experience with the team, might be the Chargers’ preference.

The Chargers will enter Week 18 with a 5-11 record. However, LA is better than their record indicates. Quarterback Justin Herbert suffered an injury and the mid-season firing of Staley added uncertainty. The team should be able to rebound in 2024, the only question is whether or not they will emerge as a playoff contender.

Hiring the right coach will be of the utmost importance for the Chargers. Staley had some good moments with the franchise but in the end, the fit just did not quite go according to plan. Whether his replacement ends up being Harbaugh, Belichick, Johnson, or someone else, LA will certainly take their time before making a final decision.