Nearly ten years after attempting to recruit him to Michigan in high school, Jim Harbaugh will finally have the chance to coach Najee Harris.The former Alabama running back officially joined the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday. Back in 2016, Harris’ recruitment was a close contest between Alabama and Michigan, but he ultimately chose to commit to Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide, enrolling early in January 2017.Harris became a two-time national champion and a unanimous All-American at Alabama before being selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. After spending four seasons with the Steelers, he signed a one-year deal with the Chargers, finally getting the opportunity to play under Harbaugh.
Nearly a decade after Jim Harbaugh attempted to recruit Najee Harris to Michigan, the two will finally be united on the field. Harris, a standout high school prospect in the 2016 recruiting class, was heavily pursued by Harbaugh, who was then in the early years of his tenure as Michigan’s head coach. However, despite Harbaugh’s efforts, Harris ultimately chose Alabama, where he became one of the nation’s most dominant running backs. Now, in 2025, their paths have finally converged, as Harris has signed with the Los Angeles Chargers, where Harbaugh now serves as head coach.
Harris’ recruitment was one of the most intense battles of the 2016 cycle. As a five-star prospect and the No. 1 running back in the nation, he had his pick of powerhouse programs. Harbaugh and Michigan made a strong push to bring him to Ann Arbor, but in the end, Harris opted to play for Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide. His decision paid off, as he became a two-time national champion and a unanimous All-American during his collegiate career. Harris played a key role in Alabama’s offensive success, finishing his college career with over 3,800 rushing yards and 46 touchdowns before declaring for the NFL Draft.
In 2021, Harris was selected in the first round of the NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Over four seasons in Pittsburgh, he established himself as a reliable and productive running back, surpassing 1,000 rushing yards in multiple seasons and becoming a focal point of the Steelers’ offense. However, following the 2024 season, Harris entered free agency, and the Chargers saw an opportunity to bring him in on a one-year deal. This signing not only strengthens Los Angeles’ backfield but also reunites Harris with Harbaugh, the coach who once tried to bring him to Michigan.
For Harbaugh, this reunion is a long-awaited moment. After leaving Michigan to take over as the Chargers’ head coach in early 2024, Harbaugh has been working to reshape the team into a contender. His vision involves building a tough, run-heavy offense—something that aligns perfectly with Harris’ skill set. Known for his physical running style, versatility, and ability to contribute as both a runner and a receiver, Harris fits the mold of the kind of player Harbaugh has always valued.
As Harris begins this new chapter with the Chargers, the excitement surrounding his potential under Harbaugh is high. The pairing of a coach known for maximizing talent and a running back with a proven track record could be exactly what the Chargers need to take the next step. Nearly ten years after their first encounter in the recruiting process, Harris and Harbaugh finally get to work together, proving that football has a way of bringing things full circle.
