Pro Football History.com Blog

What Makes Jim Harbaugh a Successful Coach?

June 12th, 2024

Jim Harbaugh is a uniquely successful coach in the world of football. Regularly, struggling NFL teams will dip into the college system to find their next head coach, but rarely does it pan out quite as expected. When it comes to Harbaugh, he offers one of the exceptions to the rule.

He managed to jump up from college football to the NFL and swiftly turn one of its bottom-dwelling teams into a Super Bowl contender. Afterwards, he returned to the college ranks with a new turnaround project and achieved record-breaking success. Now, he’s back in the NFL with the Los Angeles Chargers.

So, what made Harbaugh such a major coup for the Chargers, and how has he reached such prominence in the football world?

Statement of intent for the 2024 season

With the Chargers’ schedule out and the glut of free-agency work completed, Jim Harbaugh took the NFL Annual League meeting as his opportunity to lay out his new team’s objectives in 2024. On the field, the offensive line was delved into as a primary focal point this season.

Every other position group on the field relies on the offensive line being strong, the new head coach laid out in his speech. Further, in the trenches, the offensive linemen aren’t relying on any other positions being strong. So, it’s clear that it’s this group working to a high caliber and as one unit that will underpin LA’s offensive success.

A history of sudden success

Harbaugh’s coaching record across college and the pro ranks shows that, eventually, he will craft a very successful football team. From 2004 to 2006, he turned the 7-4 San Diego Toreros from 7-4 to 11-1 and Gridiron Classic winners. For Stanford Cardinal, he transformed a 4-8 team into a 12-1 Pac-10 force and 2010 Orange Bowl victors in four seasons.

He’d already been the Raiders’ QB coach from 2002 to 2003, but in 2011, he got the top job for the San Francisco 49ers. The season prior, they’d finished third in the NFC West with a 6-10 record. One season of Harbaugh got them to 13-3 and NFC Championship runners-up. In his second season, the 11-4-1 49ers went to the Super Bowl.

On that day, it was his brother John who ended up victorious. In 2013, Harbaugh guided a 12-4 49ers back to the NFC Championship game, but the offense capitulated the following season. The defense remained a top-five unit despite many major injuries, but the 8-8 record was greatly down to offensive struggles and a leaky offensive line.

Harbaugh wasn’t out of work for long, though. Michigan snapped him up almost as soon as he became available, which transformed the 5-7 Wolverines into a 10-3 team with a Citrus Bowl triumph in that opening 2016 campaign. Through to 2023, he built a real force in the Big Ten, culminating in a perfect, record-breaking 15-0 season with the Rose Bowl, and CFP National Championship.

A natural pick for more awards this season

Naturally, this success has come with its fair share of awards, including the NFL Coach of the Year in 2011, AP College Football Coach of the Year in 2021, and Big Ten Coach of the Year 2022. For the upcoming 2024 season, he’s the hot favorite to add another award.

As of June 7, Harbaugh is at +650 in the NFL betting to win his second Coach of the Year award, well ahead of Matt Lafleur (+800), Matt Eberflus (+900), and Raheem Morris (+1000). A lot is in his favor for this. Not only does Harbaugh boast a stellar first-season record, but four of the last seven editions of the award went to first-year coaches.

What Harbaugh will bring to the Chargers

Harbaugh is known to some as a kind of quarterback whisperer. Being a former slinger himself, it makes sense that this would be his specialty area. Clearly, he knows the position well, as even the most talented quarterbacks in the NFL would struggle tremendously if they’re under pressure and taking hits regularly.

In Los Angeles, Harbaugh will be looking to get the best out of the immensely talented Justin Herbert. Last season, he suffered a career-high sack percentage when looking to pass 6.0, and lost a career-high of 233 yards, even though he only featured in 13 games. Of everything discussed in the AFC breakfast speech, this angle will be the most influential on Harbaugh’s success in 2024.

As for the overall strategy, it’ll likely be a case of doing what he does best. The so-called “smash mouth” strategy continues to win out under his regime, even when the trends try to push him elsewhere. As Forbes reports, it’s a tried and true strategy that may be somewhat slow, but does offer a clear path to victory – especially as he’s refined it so successfully over the decades.

Jim Harbaugh is a players’ coach, knows how to get the best out of his stars, and is just that right degree of mad that gets his team revved up and ready to go all-out for him on the field. Inheriting a decent team, despite the offseason losses, he’s in a good position to quickly turn around the Chargers’ fortunes in his first year.

Raiders QB Coach Rich Scangarello Draws Lessons from Recent Champions

June 5th, 2024

With the Las Vegas Raiders aiming to reclaim their former glory, the city's rapidly growing reputation as a major sports hub adds pressure on the team. The Las Vegas Aces and Vegas Golden Knights have already secured championships, while the Raiders are the only major team yet to win since moving to the city.

The Raiders’ last playoff victory dates back over 20 years, adding urgency to their pursuit of success. Under the leadership of head coach Antonio Pierce and the expertise of quarterbacks coach Rich Scangarello, the team is poised to make significant strides.

The Raiders' rich history, including three Super Bowl wins, offers a foundation upon which they hope to build and achieve new triumphs in their new home.

Scangarello's Optimism for the Raiders' Future

Rich Scangarello is enthusiastic about his role with the Raiders and sees great potential in the team's future. Expressing his gratitude for being back, Scangarello praised the organization and the facilities, calling them among the best in the league. He has grown fond of Las Vegas, having lived there for over a year. The support from the community and the vibrant city life contribute to his positive outlook.

Working closely with quarterbacks Gardner Minshew and Aidan O'Connell, Scangarello aims to develop a strong starting quarterback for the upcoming 2024 NFL season. His previous experience with the San Francisco 49ers, where he contributed to their 10-7 season, fuels his drive to achieve greater success with the Raiders.

Last Year, Scangarello Drew Inspiration from Local Champions

Scangarello took a break from his NFL career last year, relocating to Las Vegas, where he spent time recharging. This hiatus allowed him to immerse himself in the local sports scene, particularly drawing motivation from the success of the Vegas Golden Knights.

Experiencing the energy and excitement of a championship-winning team first-hand, Scangarello felt rejuvenated and eager to bring similar triumphs to the Raiders. Now, as he readies to guide the quarterbacks for the 2024 season, the inspiration he derived from the Knights fuels his enthusiasm.

The Raiders are well-positioned with a solid roster, though much depends on strong quarterback performance. The team was believed to have serious interest in drafting Michael Penix but the Atlanta Falcons shocked everyone by taking him No. 8, blindsiding the Raiders, and forcing them to pivot.

Scangarello's influence will be vital in determining their success. Fans eagerly watching the Las Vegas Raiders game odds hold hope that under his guidance, the team will climb back to the pinnacle of victory.

The Takeaway

Rich Scangarello’s journey with the Las Vegas Raiders is fueled by inspiration from local champions and a deep commitment to success. His time away from the NFL allowed him to recharge, leading to a rekindled passion for coaching. With a solid background and fresh motivation, Scangarello is dedicated to developing strong quarterbacks and driving the Raiders toward victory.

The team’s hopeful fans look to him for leadership, trusting that his guidance will steer the Raiders back to their winning ways. As the 2024 NFL season approaches, the stage is set for the Raiders to make their mark.

Tomlin vs. Shula: Comparing Coaching Legacies

By Stephen Juza

May 15th, 2024

Last month, we looked at Andy Reid's chances at breaking the career wins record with his new contract extension. While the Chiefs under Reid have been the class of the NFL, his age may be the most significant barrier to achieving the record. Reid would have to coach into his 70s, an age that most coaches have long since hung up the whistle. If it’s not Reid, and assuming Bill Belichick is finished coaching, which coach stands the next chance at breaking Don Shula's record?

Enter Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.

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Tomlin is the only active coach under 60 in the Top 50 for career wins. For a coach to break the record, they have to get their start at an early age. Tomlin was hired as the Steelers head coach at the relatively young age of 35, and has been a consistent winner from Day 1. Hired to fill the large shoes left behind by retired Steelers coach Bill Cowher, he was an immediate success. In only his second season, he won his first Super Bowl, and two years later he led the team to a second appearance.

He has maintained the level of success throughout his tenure in Pennsylvania. He has never led his team to a losing record, and in his seventeen seasons, he has more double-digit wins seasons than single-digit win seasons. In fact, he has accumulated wins at a rate almost identical to Shula's during his record-setting career.

He has also won games at a higher rate than almost any other coach. His 63% win percentage is good for sixth highest among the Top-20 winningest coaches in NFL history. However, while 63% is fantastic on the career charts, it consistently falls below any point in Shula’s career.

While they have accumulated wins at a similar pace, Tomlin has benefited from the elongated NFL season to keep up with Shula. While Shula’s career win percentage peaked in the high 70s, Tomlin has consistently been in the mid-60s, which will require him to continue coaching for a very long time. Projected trends indicate he would break the record in his 32nd season based on his win percentage.

However, the team has struggled the last five seasons. Since the 2019 season, the Steelers have averaged just under ten wins a season, with zero playoff victories. A lack of offensive firepower has been a strong contributor toward that. Before 2019, the team had a bevy of offensive stars. Future hall of famers such as quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and offensive lineman Alan Faneca, first-team All-Pros such as Le’Veon Bell, Antonio Brown, and Maurkice Pouncey, and countless other Pro Bowlers.

Since 2019? They have not had a single offensive player named to the first team All-Pro and only a few offensive players have been named to the Pro Bowl. The consistent 9-10 win seasons have been powered by the defense, led by T.J Watt, Cameron Heyward and Minkah Fitzpatrick. But the defensive success hasn’t been enough. While the Steelers had top-10 defenses in four of the last five seasons, the average offensive rank during this time was 21st. While the offense has lagged in performance, the team is clearly committed to righting the ship. Four of the first five picks in last month’s NFL draft went to the offense.

Tomlin will have to reverse this trend to have any shot at the career wins record. Continuing the team record from the last five seasons would mean he needs to coach until his 33rd season. Averaging nine wins a season would push the record out to the 35th season. In short, longer than virtually any head coach ever - only three coaches have ever coached 30+ seasons as a head coach (Shula, George Halas, and Curly Lambeau).

Tomlin would have more to worry about than the wins record if his team only averaged 9 wins a season for the next fifteen years. It’s likely that he would be fired long before that. But short of the Steelers finding the next generational quarterback to lead the team the next fifteen years, it’s likely Shula will retain the record for a very, very long time.

Top Rookie Wide Receivers in the 2024

May 11th, 2024

As we gear up for the highly anticipated 2024 NFL season, enthusiasts eagerly await the electrifying displays promised by the stacked rookie talent pool at the wide receiver position. With a blend of budding stars poised to ascend to greatness, the stage is set for an exhilarating showcase of playmaking prowess.

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1. Marvin Harrison Jr: Arizona Cardinals

Marvin Harrison Jr., born and raised in the football-centric city of Philadelphia, has inherited his father's legacy and carved his path as a standout wide receiver in college football. With each season, Harrison Jr. has elevated his game, displaying remarkable talent and consistency on the field. His sophomore breakout season, marked by over 1,200 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns, catapulted him into the national spotlight. Despite facing increased defensive attention in his junior year, Harrison Jr. continued to shine, showcasing his exceptional speed, precise route running and ability to make game-changing plays. His knack for surpassing the 1,000-yard mark and notching double-digit touchdowns in multiple seasons cements his status as one of the most electrifying receivers in the game.

2. Malik Nabers: New York Giants

Hailing from the football-rich region of Lafayette, Louisiana, Malik Nabers has emerged as a dynamic playmaker and a rising star in college football. Nabers' journey from a promising recruit to a standout wide receiver has been nothing short of impressive. Blessed with exceptional speed, agility and route-running prowess, Nabers has consistently torched defenses, amassing impressive statistics and earning accolades for his on-field achievements. His ability to thrive in critical moments, particularly in the red zone, underscores his value as a reliable target and a game-changer for his team.

3. Rome Odunze: Chicago Bears

Rome Odunze, a towering presence at 6 feet 3 inches, has become a dominant force on the football field, commanding attention with his size, speed and playmaking ability. Hailing from the vibrant city of Las Vegas, Odunze has established himself as a go-to target for the Washington offense. With consecutive seasons leading the conference in receiving yards, Odunze has proven to be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. His strong hands, precise route running and knack for making contested catches have consistently propelled his team's offensive success, making him a cornerstone of their passing game.

4. Brian Thomas Jr.: Jacksonville Jaguars

Brian Thomas Jr., a product of the football-rich state of Texas, has emerged as a standout wide receiver, drawing praise for his athleticism, skill set and impact on the field. From his early days as a high school standout to his collegiate success, Thomas Jr. has continuously showcased his ability to make plays and elevate his team's offense. With a proven track record of over 900 receiving yards and multiple touchdowns in a single season, Thomas Jr. has become a reliable target known for his precise route running, sure hands and ability to deliver in clutch moments.

5. Ladd McConkey: Los Angeles Chargers

Ladd McConkey, who comes from the small town of Chatsworth, Georgia, has defied expectations to emerge as a dynamic college football player. Known for his exceptional speed, agility and versatility, McConkey has become a key contributor on both offense and special teams. As a receiver, he possesses superb route-running skills and the ability to create separation from defenders, making him a reliable target in the passing game. Additionally, McConkey's impact extends to special teams, where his return skills and knack for making big plays have earned him recognition as a game-changer. With his diverse skill set and relentless work ethic, McConkey is poised to continue making a significant impact on the game, both on the field and beyond.

Final Thoughts

As the 2024 NFL season approaches, the wide receiver position is especially hotly anticipated. With an impressive roster of players ranging from seasoned veterans to budding stars, fans can expect to see dazzling displays of agility and ability on the field. The strategic brilliance of coaches like Andy Reid adds another layer of excitement, as they deploy innovative offensive schemes designed to maximize the talents of their wide receivers. From game-changing catches to thrilling touchdown runs, these wide receivers will leave an unforgettable imprint on the season, enthralling audiences and raising the bar for excellence in their position. As we wait for kickoff, one thing is certain: the wide receivers of the 2024 NFL season are ready to demonstrate their abilities, entertain fans and make this season one to remember for years to come.

4 underrated NFL players in 2024

May 10th, 2024

With 53 players on each NFL roster, it can be hard to recognize every great talent the league offers. Inevitably, some players aren’t going to get the recognition they deserve each season. However, their stellar performances have helped their teams succeed by changing the odds, to the joy of fans and sports betting sites alike. For those interested in following these underrated NFL players and wanting to easily place bets online, many sports betting sites offer different online payment methods, ensuring a secure and responsible betting experience.

Let’s take a look at four of the most underrated NFL players last season and why they should be on your radar next season.

Matthew Stafford - Los Angeles Rams QB

Coming off an injury-riddled 2022 season at the age of 34, it would be fair to think that Matthew Stafford's time as one of the better-starting quarterbacks in the league was coming to a close. Instead, he led a stunning revival in LA that, like most things he does, went under the radar.

The Rams bounced back from a woeful 5-12 campaign to make the playoffs, in large part thanks to Staffords' effort as signal caller. He made the Pro Bowl for only the second time in his career while finishing top ten in MVP voting.

Jadeveon Clowney - Baltimore Ravens DE

Jadeveon Clowney is one of those players who hovers in between the liminal space of bust and good NFL player. Yes, coming out of college he was supposed to be a game-breaking defensive force and he never quite lived up to that expectation at the professional level but the former South Carolina Gamecock is still a multi-time Pro Bowler who played important roles on some pretty good defenses.

2023 was more of the same for Clowney, who joined the Baltimore Ravens and made an immediate impact, tying his career-high with 9.5 sacks while posting the highest PFF pass-rushing grade of his career.

James Conner - Arizona Cardinals RB

A former cancer survivor and Pittsburgh area legend, it feels like people just sort of stopped talking about James Conner outside of the fantasy football space once he left for Arizona. So, it’s no wonder that very few seemed to notice just how good he was on a pretty bad Cardinals team that was missing Kyler Murray for most of the year.

While he wasn’t able to crack his 2018 season in terms of yards from scrimmage, Conner set career-highs in yards per carry (5.0) and rushing yards per game (80) while breaking the 1000-yard mark for the first time. Now with Murray back and incoming phenom Marvin Harrison Jr, Conner should have even more space to operate.

Rashid Shaheed - New Orleans Saints WR/PR

Young wide receivers seem to be getting a ton of attention around the league these days, and yet somehow Rashid Shaheed seems to have slipped through the cracks. Maybe it's because he plays for a mediocre Saints team without an elite QB to catch passes from, but either way, Shaheed deserves your attention.

An undrafted free agent out of Weber State in 2022, Shaheed impressed as a rookie before breaking out in his second year with an incredible campaign. Not only did he integrate himself into the Saints passing game with 46 catches and 719 yards, but he also staked his claim as the league's best punt returner, averaging nearly 14 yards per return and taking one to the house.