Jim Harbaugh Refuses to Take Accountability for Chargers' Special Teams Issues
The LA Chargers have faced ongoing problems with their special teams this season, a surprising development given the past success under special teams coordinator Ryan Ficken. He had previously revitalized the unit, maintaining it as one of the best in the league.
Some setbacks were caused by unforeseen events, such as the injury to the Chargers' Pro Bowl long snapper right before the season. This led to signing a replacement who retired two months later, an unpredictable challenge for the team.
Personnel Decisions Impacting Performance
Despite uncontrollable injuries, the Chargers do have control over special teams personnel. However, Jim Harbaugh and Joe Hortiz appear to have deprioritized the special teams in their backend roster choices. These small-seeming decisions are proving costly to the team.
Response to Criticism
Following the trade deadline, the Chargers traded a key special teams player, Ja'Sir Taylor, for a 2028 seventh-round pick. When questioned on Wednesday about the state of special teams, Head Coach Harbaugh did not address the concerns directly. Instead, he dismissed the inquiry as ill-intended.
"It would be one thing if the Chargers were struggling on special teams with a unit they believed in. This is a different situation."
The Chargers' special teams difficulties have only worsened due to various roster moves, compounding the problem rather than improving it.
Author's Summary
Jim Harbaugh has avoided accountability for the Chargers' special teams struggles, despite clear signs that personnel decisions are contributing to the ongoing issues.