Jim Harbaugh's Tactics Lead the Los Angeles Chargers

When the Los Angeles Chargers hired Jim Harbaugh as head coach in 2025, they sought a proven leader who could turn their star-studded roster into a championship contender. Harbaugh—known for his physical, disciplined style and ability to maximize team potential—didn’t disappoint. In his first season, he’s implemented a tactical framework that blends old-school toughness with modern NFL innovation, transforming the Chargers from a talented but inconsistent team into a top AFC contender (11-2 through Week 13). Jim Harbaugh's Tactics Lead the Los Angeles Chargers explores the key strategies that have defined his tenure: a revitalized run game, aggressive defensive playcalling, situational mastery, and a focus on player accountability. For the Chargers, Harbaugh’s tactics aren’t just X’s and O’s—they’re a cultural reset that’s unlocking the team’s full potential.

Jim Harbaugh's Tactics Lead the Los Angeles Chargers begins with his emphasis on a physical, balanced offense— a departure from the pass-heavy approach the Chargers used in recent seasons. Harbaugh, a former NFL quarterback who values controlling the game’s tempo, has prioritized the run game, increasing its usage from 38% of plays in 2024 to 48% in 2025. The results have been striking: the Chargers rank 8th in the NFL in rushing yards per game (122.6) and have averaged 4.7 yards per carry—up from 3.9 last season. Running back Austin Ekeler has thrived in this system, posting a career-high 1,120 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, while backup David Montgomery has added 580 yards as a physical complement. “Coach Harbaugh believes the run game sets up everything,” Ekeler said. “It wears down defenses, keeps our quarterback fresh, and lets us control the clock. When we run the ball well, we win—simple as that.” Harbaugh’s run-first approach has also opened up the passing game for Justin Herbert, who has a career-high 112.4 passer rating when the Chargers rush for 100+ yards. “Balance is key,” Harbaugh said in a press conference. “You can’t be one-dimensional in this league. We want to make defenses choose their poison—and right now, they’re struggling to choose.”

Jim Harbaugh's Tactics Lead the Los Angeles Chargers continues with his aggressive defensive philosophy, which has turned the Chargers’ defense from a liability into a strength. Harbaugh brought in defensive coordinator Derrick Ansley (a longtime collaborator) to implement a scheme that prioritizes pressure and takeaways—two areas the Chargers lagged in 2024. The defense now uses a mix of 4-3 and 3-4 fronts to confuse quarterbacks, with edge rushers Joey Bosa and Bud Dupree deployed in “blitz packages” that send them from unexpected angles. Through 13 weeks, the Chargers rank 6th in the NFL in sacks (37) and 4th in takeaways (22)—dramatic improvements from 22nd and 18th, respectively, in 2024. Their “bend-but-don’t-break” secondary, which ranks 7th in opponent completion rate (61.2%), has also benefited from Harbaugh’s focus on discipline: defenders are taught to avoid penalties and force teams into long third downs. “Coach Harbaugh wants us to be aggressive, but smart,” Bosa said. “He doesn’t want us to take stupid penalties or overcommit—he wants us to attack at the right times. That’s why we’re getting more sacks and takeaways this year.” Harbaugh’s defensive tactics were on full display in Week 10, when the Chargers held the Baltimore Ravens to 17 points and forced 3 turnovers in a 24-17 win.

Jim Harbaugh's Tactics Lead the Los Angeles Chargers also highlights his mastery of situational football—specifically, his ability to make game-winning decisions in high-pressure moments. Harbaugh, who has a 12-7 record in NFL playoff games, has guided the Chargers to four wins by 7 points or fewer in 2025, often relying on creative playcalling and trust in his players. In Week 5, trailing the Cincinnati Bengals 21-19 with 1:23 left, Harbaugh opted for a bold 4th-and-2 play instead of a field goal, calling a jet sweep that Ekeler turned into a 32-yard gain to set up the game-winning touchdown. “Coach Harbaugh doesn’t play scared,” Herbert said. “He trusts us to execute, even in tough situations. That confidence rubs off on the whole team.” Harbaugh’s situational awareness also extends to clock management: the Chargers rank 3rd in the NFL in time of possession (31:45 per game) and have won 80% of their games when leading after three quarters. For the Los Angeles Chargers, this situational success has been a game-changer—turning close losses into wins and building momentum for the playoffs. “Winning close games is about preparation and trust,” Harbaugh said. “We practice these situations every week, so when they happen in a game, our players know exactly what to do. That’s the difference between a good team and a great one.”

Jim Harbaugh's Tactics Lead the Los Angeles Chargers delves into his focus on player accountability and development—two pillars of his coaching style that have strengthened team culture. Harbaugh, who famously treats every player the same (from stars like Herbert to rookies), has implemented a “no excuses” policy: players are expected to show up on time, work hard, and take responsibility for their mistakes. He also prioritizes individual growth, meeting with each player weekly to review film and set goals. Rookie tight end Dalton Kincaid, who has 45 catches for 520 yards, credits Harbaugh with his rapid development: “Coach Harbaugh spends extra time with me after practice, going over routes and blocking techniques. He’s not just a coach—he’s a mentor. He wants me to be the best player I can be, and that pushes me to work harder.” Harbaugh’s accountability approach has also reduced off-field issues: the Chargers have had zero player suspensions in 2025, compared to three in 2024. For the Los Angeles Chargers, this focus on culture has been just as important as tactics. “Talent wins games, but culture wins championships,” Harbaugh said. “We’re building a culture where everyone is accountable, everyone works hard, and everyone cares about each other. That’s the foundation of any successful team.”

Jim Harbaugh's Tactics Lead the Los Angeles Chargers concludes with the impact of his leadership on the Chargers’ championship aspirations—and why this season feels different from past attempts. With a balanced offense, aggressive defense, and a team culture built on trust, the Chargers are widely considered Super Bowl favorites, with Harbaugh’s playoff experience (he led the San Francisco 49ers to Super Bowl XLVII) giving them a edge over other contenders. Fans have embraced Harbaugh’s no-nonsense style, with “Harbaugh Ball” signs filling SoFi Stadium and his post-game speeches going viral on social media. “Coach Harbaugh has changed this team,” said season-ticket holder Maria Gonzalez. “We used to be a team that choked in big games, but now we’re a team that wins them. He’s brought toughness and confidence—things we’ve been missing for years.” As the Chargers head into the playoffs, Harbaugh’s tactics will be put to the ultimate test: facing elite teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens, who know how to counter his schemes. But Harbaugh, ever the competitor, is ready. “We’re not here to just make the playoffs,” he said. “We’re here to win a Super Bowl. And with the tactics we’ve built, the players we have, and the culture we’ve created—we’re going to do it.” In the end, Jim Harbaugh's Tactics Lead the Los Angeles Chargers is a story of transformation: a team that found its identity under a coach who knows how to win—and isn’t afraid to do whatever it takes to bring a championship to Los Angeles.