Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh is heading into his second year with the team and has set a new target for next season.
Harbaugh improved the Chargers, leading them to their first playoff game since 2022. He now wants his starting quarterback, Justin Herbert, to take the next step in his NFL journey.
Jim Harbaugh Wants To Get Justin Herbert Into the Hall of Fame
Harbaugh revealed he has a new goal for Herbert. Harbaugh shared the target with NFL Network’s Rich Eisen while appearing as a guest on “The Rich Eisen Show.” He also added that the new goal, getting Herbert into the Hall of Fame, came to him in a dream.
“I just woke up the other day and say, got to get Justin Herbert to the Hall of Fame. Must get Justin Herbert to the Hall of Fame. It’s just one of those things where you wake up and kind of like three, four in the morning. And sometimes that’s when your best ideas come.“
To achieve this lofty target, Harbaugh and the Chargers’ brain trust have surrounded Herbert with an assortment of new offensive weapons. The Chargers’ head coach revealed that it was the plan this offseason.
“I think it’s necessary that we get him, you know, surrounded with as many good football players to his level as possible.”
Herbert’s primary weapon last season was rookie Ladd McConkey, and he broke the 1,000-receiving-yard mark with 1,149 yards on 82 receptions. However, his second receiver, Quentin Johnston, has been a disappointment since being drafted in the first round in 2023.
The Chargers brought back Mike Williams for a second stint with the franchise in free agency. Williams is eighth all-time in receiving yards in the Chargers’ franchise history. They added Ole Miss’ Tre Harris in the second round of the NFL Draft. Harris was an All-SEC player last season. The Chargers also drafted Auburn wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith and pass-catching tight end Oronde Gadsden II, both in the fifth round.
The biggest upgrade might be in the running back room. J.K. Dobbins was their lead running back last season, but they have replaced him with free agent signing Najee Harris in free agency. They then selected North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton with the 22nd overall pick in the NFL Draft. Hampton is an explosive back with breakaway speed and is also a receiving threat out of the backfield.
The new receiving targets will provide Herbert with more options. Despite the Chargers having a winning record at 11-6 and a playoff berth last season, Herbert took a step back statistically. With the changes to this revamped Chargers offense, Harbaugh is hoping to put Herbert in a better position in chasing the Hall of Fame dream.