Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh is exploring the possibility of bringing former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick onto his coaching staff. Harbaugh expressed his enthusiasm for the potential addition, stating, “If that was ever the path he was to take, I think that would be tremendous. He’d be a tremendous coach, if that’s the path he chose,” according to Jarrett Bell of USA Today.
Kaepernick, who has not played since the 2016 NFL season with the San Francisco 49ers, has indicated that he is still training and waiting for another opportunity to play in the league. According to Miriam Walker-Khan of Sky Sports, the 36-year-old quarterback has remained active in his training efforts. Harbaugh, who coached the 49ers from 2011 to 2014, worked closely with Kaepernick after the 49ers drafted him in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft. During their time together, the 49ers achieved significant success, including two NFC Championship games and one Super Bowl appearance.
Harbaugh has mentioned that he initially discussed the idea of Kaepernick joining the Chargers in a non-playing role shortly after being hired by Los Angeles in January. “We talked a little bit about it,” Harbaugh said. “He’s considering it. He was out of the country. He said he was going to get back to me. We haven’t reconnected since then.”
Kaepernick last played in the 2016 season and became known for kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racial injustice. Although he has worked out with various teams, including the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022, he has not secured a contract.
Harbaugh, 60, joined the Chargers in the most recent offseason after a successful tenure as head coach at the University of Michigan.
