NFL Rumors: Chargers Have 'Real' Interest in Jim Harbaugh amid Ben Johnson Buzz

The Los Angeles Chargers have "real" interest in Michigan's Jim Harbaugh as they start their coaching search, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Fowler added that Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson "will be a player here, too" and that "you have to think those two will be heavily in the mix."

Los Angeles reportedly requested Tuesday to interview Johnson along a number of other outside candidates.

The Athletic's Mike Sando on Tuesday cited one NFL coach who said there's a mutual interest between the Chargers and Harbaugh.

"They want Harbaugh, and he wants them," the coach said. "So I would think they would get that done. The Raiders want Harbaugh, too, so the Raiders could outbid them, but I don't think that will happen."

Sando wrote seven coaches and executives he spoke with believed "the Chargers made the most sense," citing in part how they "badly need a credible coach to compete in the Los Angeles market."

Harbaugh is one of the hottest commodities on the coaching market, though, after leading the Wolverines to a national championship, so he's likely to have some options.

In Wednesday's report, Fowler said he's "not discounting" the Atlanta Falcons as a possibility, and he used similar wording with the Washington Commanders. He also reported the Raiders "have some level of interest in Harbaugh."

The Chargers might be the most attractive vacancy available.

Los Angeles already has a leg up on the competition thanks to the presence of Justin Herbert. Harbaugh wouldn't have to worry about identifying the right quarterback to build around from the draft or consider veteran alternatives.

This isn't really a rebuilding job, either. L.A. had a winning record in 2021 and 2022, and the team was considered a playoff contender heading into this year. The right head coach should be able to spark a big turnaround in 2024.

The Chargers can't take anything for granted when the time comes to formally meet with Harbaugh, but they have to feel good about their chances of landing him if he's their No. 1 target.