The Chargers made a franchise-altering move one year ago today.
Hello, Jim Harbaugh.
The news came down at 5:10 p.m. (PT) as the Bolts announced they had agreed to terms with Harbaugh, who had just led Michigan to a national title.
The Chargers conducted 15 total first-round interviews with head coach candidates, but Harbaugh set himself apart from the start.
And it's safe to say the decision to bring Harbaugh on board has already been a resounding success.
Here's a look back at Harbaugh's first year in powder blue and where the Chargers headed from here.
Why was Harbaugh the hire?
The Chargers were in need of a change.
And the Bolts were willing to reimagine their hiring process last January as they tried to find the right leader as the next Chargers Head Coach.
John Spanos, the Chargers President of Football Operations, said the goal was to find a coach who could help the Bolts eventually get to a new level.
"One of the most important steps before we began the search is identifying what it is that we're looking for in a head coach. A lot of time was spent on that," Spanos said at Harbaugh's introductory press conference on February 1. "We were able to identify specific traits in the category of leadership, specific traits of football acumen. Then, once you have those traits, there's really three things that you have to evaluate those traits in the candidates.
"You have the interview itself, you have the reference work that you do and then you have the body of work from the candidates," Spanos added. "As we went through that process and as we completed that process, it became overwhelmingly clear that Coach Harbaugh was the man for this job."
It helped, of course, that Harbaugh was already familiar with the Chargers organization.
He spent two seasons with the Bolts during his 14-year playing career, starting 17 total games at quarterback during the 1999 and 2000 seasons.
Harbaugh was ready to return to the NFL, too, and chase a Lombardi Trophy after reaching the mountaintop with Michigan, his alma mater, in college football.
Harbaugh's hire was met with widespread praise and represented a new day and a new era in Chargers history.
Owner and Chairman of the Board Dean Spanos said as much on February 1.
"Our fans deserve a day like this. I am so incredibly happy for them," Dean Spanos said. "I think I speak for everyone when I say we are all looking forward to this season and the seasons to come."
And what did Harbaugh think about the while thing?
The Chargers Head Coach echoed sentiments of gratitude and appreciation for the opportunity to lead the Bolts.
But he also made it clear what the Chargers would be about in his first season at the helm.
"The team, the team, the team. It's going to be a team effort," Harbaugh said. "There won't be any magic formulas. The only ones that I know are just good, old fashioned hard work and teamwork."
A year later, Harbaugh's early vision has come to life in Los Angeles.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
Take a look back at the best photos of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh throughout his first year with the Chargers.
What happened in Year 1?
Harbaugh set the standard right away by helping implement an offseason program that was different from what the Bolts had done in previous years.
While the Chargers still did the usual meetings and on-field drills, they finished each offseason workout with a "fourth-quarter finisher" drill that included medicine ball carries, sled pulls, rope drills and flipping things over.
The work ethic carried over into training camp, too, where Harbaugh wasn't afraid to jump in next to his players and do workouts alongside them.
Veteran cornerback Kristian Fulton, a 2024 free-agent addition, summed up Harbaugh's early message to the Bolts.
"He just breeds confidence into every player," Fulton said. "He said the first thing we've got to do is work hard.
"And then, you've just got to believe in each other and come together as a group," Fulton added. "And everybody literally showed up. Seeing that showed that everybody brought in."
Granted, it took Chargers players some time to get a read on Harbaugh's unique personality, which can sometimes be odd or quirky.
But by the time the regular season rolled around, Bolts players were vibing with their Head Coach.
"Guys were kind of like trying to figure out who he was, what he was at first," Bud Dupree said. "But I would say halfway through training camp, everybody kind of saw what type of coach we're going to have. Everybody bought in and got us here where we are right now.
"You've got to want to be in the building," Dupree added. "The coaches have to make you want to be in the building. And if guys want to be here, it turns into winning."
That is exactly is what the Bolts did in Harbaugh's first season, getting off to a 2-0 start before a midseason four-game win streak pushed them firmly into the AFC playoff picture.
Harbaugh's squad then went out and won four of their final five regular-season games to finish with an 11 wins to secure the No. 5 seed.
And while the Chargers season ended in the Wild Card Round, there's no question Harbaugh and his staff firmly laid the foundation for years to come on and off the field.
As Year 1 of the Harbaugh Era comes to a close, there's no doubt the Chargers culture has significantly shifted for the better.
"To have a guy like that leading the team, you know, it shows up," Justin Herbert said in November. "You turn on the tape, and everyone wants to play for him, wants to fight for him. And I think guys are playing energetic. They're excited to be out there, and they're having fun."
Take a look at the top photos of Jim Harbaugh during his playing days as a Charger.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 2000 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 2000 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 2000 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 2000 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 2000 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 2000 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 2000 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 2000 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Jim Harbaugh is photographed during the 1999 NFL season.
What does the future hold?
It's only late January, meaning the Chargers 2025 regular season is still seven-plus months away.
But you can bet Harbaugh is already chomping at the bit to see what Version 2.0 of the Chargers looks like under him and his coaching staff.
Harbaugh outlined his first season as a coach in powder blue at his year-end press conference.
"It wasn't the ultimate success, but there was success," Harbaugh said. "There was success from this season and we want to build on it.
"Build, build, build," Harbaugh added. "Better, better, better."
The Bolts have a franchise quarterback in Herbert, plus other key pieces in Derwin James, Jr., Rashawn Slater, Joe Alt, Daiyan Henley and others who will back next season and beyond.
But the Chargers will also have a chance to bolster their roster, too.
The Chargers enter the 2025 offseason with 30 players slated to be free agents but are projected to have $70-plus million in salary cap space and hold the No. 22 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Bolts have a franchise quarterback in Herbert, plus other key pieces in Derwin James, Jr., Rashawn Slater, Joe Alt, Daiyan Henley and others who will back next season and beyond.
Harbaugh, however, will surely be hungry to take the Chargers on a deep playoff run in Year 2. It's simply how he's wired.
"He's as competitive as anyone I've ever been around," Harbaugh's father, Jack, told Chargers.com during training camp.
Harbaugh's ultimate goal to get the Chargers their first Super Bowl in franchise history.
Next year's Super Bowl is in the Bay Area, where Harbaugh previously spent time with the 49ers and at Stanford.
After that? It's at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
As we celebrate Harbaugh's first season with the Bolts, expect an even hungrier version of the Chargers Head Coach going forward.
"I only have so many sands left in the hourglass and I want another shot," Harbaugh said at his introductory press conference. "I want another shot to be simply known as World Champions. The Lombardi Trophy, that's my mission."
Get a behind-the-scenes look as Jim Harbaugh is formally introduced as the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers on February 1st, 2024
