In his second offseason with the Los Angeles Chargers, head coach Jim Harbaugh is already seeing a culture take shape — and it’s being driven from within.
“It’s the players,” Harbaugh said when asked what’s setting the tone during this crucial stretch of the offseason. “We’ve got a core group — guys like Justin Herbert, Derwin James, Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, Zion Johnson, Joe Alt, Rashawn Slater — who are leading by example every day.”
Inside the Los Angeles Chargers’ Culture Shift: Harbaugh Credits Elite Core for Team’s Standard
Harbaugh calls them the “elite eight*,” a group that’s raised the standard inside the building. What stands out most isn’t just talent — it’s mindset. “They train like they’ve accomplished nothing,” he said. “That’s how they approach the offseason. And because of that, when the season comes, they’re ready to be that guy.”
It’s a tone-setter for the rest of the roster. Harbaugh emphasized that this leadership isn’t rooted in speeches or social media — it’s in sweat equity, behind closed doors. “When nobody’s watching, they’re putting in the work,” he said. “You feel guilty if you’re not matching that effort.”
More News: Los Angeles Chargers Make Big O-Line Announcement During Mini Camp
This type of internal accountability is exactly what Harbaugh has built his coaching career on. From Stanford to Michigan and now back in the NFL, he thrives on team-first ecosystems powered by leadership from within. And it appears that’s exactly what’s taking shape in Los Angeles.
“Those guys, they’ve been elite,” Harbaugh said. “And the rest of us? We just follow their lead.”
As training camp approaches, it’s clear the Chargers aren’t just installing new schemes — they’re building something deeper: a culture of relentless preparation, elite effort, and quiet confidence. If that carries into the fall, this team may surprise more than a few people.
*Harbaugh only listed seven players, leaving the 8th the mystery candidate.
Subscribe to LAFB Network’s Los Angeles Chargers YouTube Channel