Harbaugh confirms Kaepernick will not have a role with Chargers in upcoming season

In El Segundo, California, it was revealed that Colin Kaepernick’s potential involvement with the Los Angeles Chargers may have to wait until next year. However, any future collaboration would be in a coaching capacity alongside Jim Harbaugh. Despite Harbaugh’s appreciation for Kaepernick’s football acumen and character, the former San Francisco 49ers coach clarified that Kaepernick will not be part of the coaching staff or the team roster for this year.

Harbaugh, who previously coached Kaepernick from 2011 to 2014, reached out to Kaepernick about potentially joining the Chargers’ staff shortly after assuming his coaching position on Jan. 24. This isn’t the first time Harbaugh has discussed coaching opportunities with Kaepernick; he had previously mentioned it during his tenure at Michigan as well.

Expressing his respect for Kaepernick’s football intelligence and character, Harbaugh cited similarities in how Al Davis, the late Raiders owner, saw coaching potential in him. Kaepernick, now 37 and out of the NFL since 2017 when he kneeled during the national anthem to protest social injustice and police brutality, remains hopeful for a return to playing. In a recent interview during the Paris Olympics, he affirmed his readiness and belief in his ability to contribute to a team and pursue a championship.

During his time with San Francisco, Kaepernick garnered a 29-16 record as a starter, including playoff games, under Harbaugh’s guidance. Following Harbaugh’s departure, Kaepernick’s record declined to 3-17. Notably, Kaepernick led the 49ers to Super Bowl 47 against Baltimore, showcasing his skills by throwing for 302 yards and running for a touchdown in the 34-31 loss.

Harbaugh currently has several former San Francisco players on his Chargers coaching staff, including NaVorro Bowman, Jonathan Goodwin, and Will Tukuafu, alongside coaching assistants like Mike Iupati and Delanie Walker. Notably, Greg Roman, who served as Kaepernick’s offensive coordinator in San Francisco, now oversees the Chargers’ offense.