Report: Chargers Don't 'Have any Favorites' for HC amid Harbaugh, Belichick Rumors

The Los Angeles Chargers have reportedly already started an "exhaustive" search for their next head coach following the firing of Brandon Staley last month.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, University of Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh and New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick may be the best fits for the Chargers if either of them become available, but the organization currently doesn't have any "favorites" for the job.

Schefter noted that president of football operations John Spanos is "casting a wide net" as he looks for a coach who can get the most out of star quarterback Justin Herbert.

After making the playoffs last season for the first time since 2018, expectations were high for the Bolts entering 2023, but they fell well short.

Entering their Week 18 game against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Chargers are just 5-11, and they would own the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft if the season ended today.

Key players such as Herbert, running back Austin Ekeler and wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams all missed significant time due to injury this season, which undoubtedly contributed to their struggles.

However, coaching was also a major issue, as Staley consistently made some questionable decisions in close games, leading to five losses in one-score games under his guidance this season.

The last straw for Staley came in Week 15 when the Chargers were blown out 63-21 by the Las Vegas Raiders, leading to the firing of both Staley and general manager Tom Telesco.

As noted by Schefter, the Chargers should be one of the most attractive landing spots for head coaching candidates this offseason due to a high draft pick, the presence of Herbert, their location in L.A. and the fact that they are opening a $250 million training facility during the summer.

Both Belichick and Harbaugh have been linked to the Chargers, and either of them would represent the type of big-name hire that could energize the fanbase.

ESPN's Dan Graziano reported last month that he heard Belichick "might want to go" to Los Angeles if he and the Patriots part ways.

While the Pats moving on from Belichick has been a long-standing rumor, Schefter reported Saturday that Belichick and Patriots owner Robert Kraft have not yet discussed their future plans, but plan to do so after the season.

As for Harbaugh, he is set to coach Michigan in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game against Washington on Monday night, but his future with the Wolverines is unclear beyond that.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that the Chargers sent out "feelers" to Harbaugh, which indicates they are interested.

He previously coached the San Francisco 49ers for four seasons, reaching the NFC Championship Game three times and the Super Bowl once, which would perhaps make him the ideal fit for a Chargers team looking to finally reach its potential.

Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported Saturday that Harbaugh is a "top candidate" for the Chargers, and she also noted that the Chargers prefer to hire someone with previous head coaching experience, which means Belichick would likely be in the mix as well.