Jim Harbaugh is returning to the NFL as the next head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers. What you might have forgotten is that he played quarterback for the franchise in 1999 and 2000 — back when the Bolts were still in San Diego.
Let’s look at the HCs who were also players of the same team they manned the sidelines for.
Seasons as a player: 2 (1999-2000)
Seasons as head coach: 1 (2024)
Harbaugh is most fondly remembered as a starter for the Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts. However, he was brought in by the Chargers to serve as a backup to Ryan Leaf. Harbaugh started 17 of his 21 games with the Bolts, going 6-11. He threw for 18 TDs and 24 INTs.
Seasons as a player: 8 (2008-15)
Seasons as head coach: 1 (2024)
Mayo played linebacker for Bill Belichick, the man he replaced as New England’s head coach. He won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2008 and a Super Bowl in 2014.
Seasons as a player: 3 (2006-08)
Seasons as head coach: 3 (2021-present)
Campbell spent the last three years of his 10-year playing career with Detroit. A tight end, he caught 23 passes for 330 yards and four scores for the Lions.
Seasons as a player: 6 (2006-11)
Seasons as head coach: 1 (2023-present)
The Texans selected Ryans 33rd overall in the 2006 NFL Draft. The Defensive Rookie of the Year spent six seasons in Houston, compiling eight fumble recoveries, 8.5 sacks, and 479 solo tackles as a standout linebacker.
Seasons as a player: 1 (1999)
Seasons as head coach: 5 (2016-20)
Pederson was 2-7 as the QB for the Eagles during his playing days, but as a coach, led them to a Super Bowl win in 2017 over the Patriots.
Seasons as a player: 8 (1945-52)
Seasons as head coach: 3 (1960-62)
A Hall of Famer, Waterfield served as quarterback, kicker, and punter for the Rams, winning two NFL championships. He threw for 97 TDs and 128 picks; completed nearly 55 percent of his kicks; and amassed 13,367 yards punting. His career-long punt was 88 yards, which ranks in the top 10 all-time.
Seasons as a player: 16 (1956-71)
Seasons as head coach: 9 (1975-83)
Starr was integral to the Packers dynasty, leading them to five NFL championships and winning the first two Super Bowls. He also had the highest postseason passer rating until some guy named Patrick Mahomes came along. His number was retired by the team in 1973.
Seasons as a player: 15 (1956-70)
Seasons as head coach: 4 (1984-87)
Gregg was an offensive lineman and one of Starr’s teammates. He was a five-time NFL champion, three-time Super Bowl champ, and a nine-time Pro Bowler who played in 188 consecutive games. Gregg was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1977.
Seasons as a player: 15 (1968-82)
Seasons as head coach: 6 (1990-94, 2006)
Shell is a Pro Football Hall of Famer who won two Super Bowls as a player. The tackle was an eight-time Pro Bowler and was named to the NFL’s 100th Anniversary All-Time team. Shell recovered eight fumbles during his career.
Seasons as a player: 13 (1953-65)
Seasons as head coach: 6 (1967-72)
Schmidt was a member of the Lions teams that won NFL championships in 1953 and 1957. A 10-time Pro Bowler at linebacker, he picked off 24 passes, recovered 17 fumbles, and scored three touchdowns. Schmidt was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1973.
Seasons as a player: 6 (1961-66)
Seasons as head coach: 11 (1982-92)
Younger generations may know him as a coach or broadcaster, but Ditka was a Hall of Fame tight end who spent half of his playing career with Da Bears.
He earned Rookie of the Year honors, and caught 316 passes for 4,503 yards and 34 TDs while with Chicago.
Seasons as a player: 12 (1982-93)
Seasons as head coach: 3 (2011-13)
Munchak was named to the Pro Bowl nine times and was the first offensive lineman inducted into the Hall of Fame. The guard spent his entire career with the franchise.