Since being hired as the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers on January 24, Jim Harbaugh has been working to build a top-notch coaching staff.
Many of the coaches, such as defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, came with Harbaugh from the Michigan Wolverines. Some, like offensive coordinator Greg Roman were with Harbaugh when he was the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers. Some, like linebackers coach Navarro Bowman are even former players of Harbaugh’s when he was with the Niners.
Harbaugh’s next move appears to be bringing back a Chargers legend, as NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported Tuesday night that former Pro Bowl center Nick Hardwick would be joining the team as an assistant offensive line coach.
The #Chargers are hiring their former Pro Bowl center Nick Hardwick as their assistant offensive line coach, sources say.
Hardwick, who played 11 seasons in San Diego, kicks off his NFL coaching career in LA after serving as an assistant coach for Westfield (Ind.) High School. pic.twitter.com/HixiVMrHXz
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 13, 2024
Hardwick was picked by the Chargers in the third round of 2004 NFL Draft out of Purdue. He spent his entire 11-year career with the team. In 2006 he was named to his first and only career Pro Bowl. Hardwick was one of 11 Chargers named to the Pro Bowl as the team went 14-2 in the regular season before falling to the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Roun.
The center played 136 career games for the Chargers, placing him 16th in franchise history. In 2009 he was named to the San Diego Chargers 50th Anniversary team, honoring the best players from the team’s first half-century.
