Chargers' Jim Harbaugh Says He Had an 'Atrial Flutter,' Briefly Left Game vs. Broncos

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh had a slight scare early in Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos when he had to briefly leave the sidelines for a medical issue.

After returning to the game, Harbaugh told AJ Ross of CBS Sports that he was "dealing with arrhythmia," and it's something he's dealt with "on and off for a while."

The coach provided more details while talking to reporters after the game:

Harbaugh was examined in the blue medical tent before walking back to the locker room with trainers. The Chargers initially announced that Harbaugh was questionable to return to the game due to an illness. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter served as interim head coach in his brief absence.

An arrhythmia, or an irregular heartbeat, is described by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute as "a problem with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat. Your heart may beat too quickly, too slowly, or with an irregular rhythm." The condition is treatable by medication or procedures, but if it goes untreated, it can have life-threatening consequences.

Harbaugh is known for his high energy, and the Chargers gave him much to be excited about by jumping out to a 23-0 lead over the first three quarters of Sunday's game. Los Angeles appears to be on the verge of ending a two-game skid and improving to 3-2.

Harbaugh is in his first season back in the NFL after serving as head coach at Michigan for the last nine years and leading the team to the 2023 national championship. Chargers fans are certainly hoping that his pedigree for success will bring fortune to a team that has missed the playoffs in four of the last five years.