Former Michigan HC Jim Harbaugh fuels rivalry with Ryan Day’s Ohio State via LA Chargers hype video

Jim Harbaugh left Michigan earlier this year after a successful nine-year tenure at the program, which ended with a national championship victory. He now returns to the NFL to lead the Los Angeles Chargers, almost a decade after leaving the San Francisco 49ers.

The Chargers shared a hype video on social media on Tuesday to mark the beginning of training camp at their new facility. In the video, Jim Harbaugh was heard delivering a line that will resonate with those familiar with his time at Michigan, fuelling the rivalry with Ohio State.

“Welcome to the 2024 Chargers locker room, your football home,” Harbaugh said in the video. "We want to compliment all who have earned the opportunity to get here, to recognize the journey traveled, to now be playing at the highest level of football. None here were born on third base but rather had to work your way to first, then second, then third.”

Harbaugh's reference to being born on third base is something he's used before. It was birthed as a subtle dig to Ohio State coach Ryan Day in the postgame press conference of a rivalry game in 2021. It was a response to a claim by Day prior to the game.

“A lot of people that are standing on third base think they’ve hit a triple,” Harbaugh said after the game, which was the Wolverines' first win in nine games against the Buckeyes.

Netflix to release a documentary on Michigan sign stealing under Jim Harbaugh

Netflix is set to release a documentary on the Michigan sign-stealing allegation, which occurred last season under Jim Harbaugh. The Wolverines were said to have been engaged in in-person scouting in future opponents' games, a practice that is not permitted by the NCAA.

Following the announcement of the investigation into the Wolverines over the sign-stealing allegation, Jim Harbaugh denied any involvement or knowledge of the practice. He also claimed he never directed anyone to engage in an unlawful act within the program.

“I do not have any knowledge or information regarding the University of Michigan football program illegally stealing signals, nor have I directed any staff member or others to participate in an off-campus scouting assignment.

“I have no awareness of anyone on our staff having done that or having directed that action. I do not condone or tolerate anyone doing anything illegal or against NCAA rules.”

According to Netflix, the documentary will be released on Aug. 27 on its streaming platform. This coincides with the early days of the 2024 college football season. It is expected to offer a much more detailed insight into the scandal with exclusive interviews with those around the case.