The Los Angeles Chargers were obviously bound for improvement once they hired the legendary coach Jim Harbaugh after their collapse in the 2023 season.
After the 2024 season, Harbaugh proved that he can build a culture and competitive roster from day one. While this improvement was great for the morale of the team and fanbase, there was still plenty left to be desired…especially on offense.
Everyone knows that Harbaugh is a former quarterback in the NFL, yet his offensive philosophy is very run-heavy. This approach allows for game control, controlled violence, and general mental toughness to outwit opponents.
This all stems from the run game, which ranked 20th in the league in yards per game, according to teamrankings.com. This ranking is unacceptable for a Harbaugh and Greg Roman-led offense. Luckily, the 2025 offseason shows promise that year two of the Harbaugh regime will become more of what the expected vision was supposed to be.
3 Changes The Chargers Made That Will Complete Jim Harbaugh’s Offensive Vision
Change #1 – A Jim Harbaugh-ism: The Tip Of The Spear
The most publicized move of the off-season for the Chargers could very well be the addition of big Mekhi Becton. The former first-round pick garnered attention by being the guy who was supposed to “fix” all the issues the Chargers’ blocking scheme had last season.
Becton is obviously hungry to prove that he is more than just a one-year wonder, as his contract numbers show skepticism. Either way, his play should be a major upgrade over the former, now possible trade candidate, Trey Pipkins. Especially in the run game, with Becton’s 74.7 run blocking grade in comparison to Pipkins’ 63.7.
This upgrade, coupled with the move of moving Zion Johnson to Center and Bradley Bozeman to Guard, in hopes that this position swap will fit their strengths, will help increase the chances of this Chargers run game under Jim Harbaugh to improve in 2025.
Change #2 – The Running Back Room
The general philosophy of running backs is slowly changing, and this could very well be in part due to the success Jim Harbaugh has had over the years. From the 2000s, when running backs were one of the most important pieces of an offense, to the late 2010s to early 2020s, where running backs were extremely undervalued and easily replaceable.
Now, the pendulum is swinging back to what it was back in the early 2000s. Running backs now are becoming an important and valued commodity in an offense, and the Chargers proved that they believe this sentiment (beyond having multiple offensive coaches who believe this narrative) by drafting Omarion Hampton in the first round of the 2025 draft. This was after signing the four-time 1000-yard rusher, Najee Harris. Both of whom are expected to thrive, especially in this Chargers scheme.
With these two large investments in running backs, this Chargers offense is obviously showing their hand, proving that they truly will be a run-heavy offense like Harbaugh has wanted since his arrival.
Change #3 – Pressure Relief On Ball Carriers
The last modification to execute Harbaugh’s vision is more indirect, but very well may have the largest impact of the three changes. The Chargers added plenty of weapons during this offseason, creating an environment where more individuals can step up to achieve the vision wanted, rather than it all falling on Justin Herbert or non-superstar caliber running backs, like Gus Edwards and JK Dobbins.
With the Chargers adding second-round receiver, Tre Harris, fifth-round receiver, KeAndre Lambert-Smith, and fifth-round Tight End, Oronde Gadsden II, they are giving plenty of opportunity to take attention away from the aforementioned rushers, Hampton and Harris.
This will allow for lighter boxes, lighter defenders, thus more room for the runners to pick up yardage and carry this offense to the heights that the “Jim Harbaugh way” is wanting.
Main Image: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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