Justin Herbert and Jim Harbaugh find themselves on the thinnest ice in the duo’s relatively brief history. At 0-7, the Los Angeles Chargers might still be looking to find which way is up. However, history shows that monumental changes tend to follow starts like the Chargers have had this year.
As such, either Herbert or Harbaugh could find themselves in a new situation as soon as this spring. Depending on how deep Dean Spanos and Joe Horitz want to cut, both the coach and quarterback could find themselves on the way out.
However, after making the playoffs last season, it is likely that at least one of the two will stick around. Here’s a look at some of the potential landing spots for Justin Herbert and Jim Harbaugh, should the Chargers look to move on from either franchise tentpole.
Logical Justin Herbert Landing Spots
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles have no guarantees at quarterback going forward. Jalen Hurts is out for at least the season due to blood clots (ESPN), but whether he can return to a sport as violent as the NFL is up in the air. However, the roster is still largely intact from the team’s Super Bowl run two seasons ago.
If the Eagles want any chance at reviving a Super Bowl window, they need a quarterback with playoff experience. Justin Herbert could be that option. He won’t be cheap, but a win-now move to preserve a Super Bowl window might be worth the price for general manager Howie Roseman.
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons have looked like a playoff offense with Michael Penix Jr. available, with the team scoring 35, 45, and 29 points on his watch in games this season. However, with his health a consistent question, Atlanta needs a star backup. If Justin Herbert’s value has plummeted enough to fall into backup territory, the Falcons might be the best landing spot for the Los Angeles Chargers quarterback.
A 2027 quarterback competition between Penix and Herbert might be the best way to layer the offense. If Stefanski wants to ensure his job security long-term, he might use whatever influence he has to press the front office to make the move.
New York Giants
The brotherly connection between Jim and John Harbaugh is one reason to believe that a move for Justin Herbert could happen. John is currently coaching J.J. McCarthy, who played for Jim at Michigan, so there is already a recent history of John coaching Jim’s quarterbacks.
Additionally, with Jaxson Dart’s health and status as a non-Harbaugh pick working against Dart’s long-term fit with the Giants, John could be looking for a long-term solution between games. Herbert would seemingly have longer legs than McCarthy after holding onto a starting job in Los Angeles in each of the last six years.
Jim Harbaugh Landing Spots That Make Sense
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are 1-6 and essentially stuck alongside the Chargers in the standings. As such, Jeff Hafley could be a one-and-done coach. If Harbaugh is on the way out, and a vacancy is available in Miami ahead of a rebuild, Harbaugh could be the best option. Considering the work he put together to challenge the Chiefs in the AFC West, a similar performance in Miami to challenge Buffalo and New England would be a breath of fresh air for Dolphins fans after three disappointing losing seasons.
Imagine the start of 2027 with Harbaugh and the top rookie quarterback prospect in the country. It would be much more exciting for Dolphins fans to see where that combination goes, and it might be the best chance for Miami to reverse its recent struggles.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints were viewed as a dark-horse playoff team coming into the year, but a 2-5 start has created a sober reality. Tyler Shough likely isn’t going anywhere, but changes will need to be made. Kellen Moore could be one of those changes. The Saints built a perennial powerhouse with Sean Payton, so there could be a strong desire for a veteran head coach in the upcoming cycle. Harbaugh might be the most reliable coach on the market this spring in terms of overall sentiment.
The weather is warm in New Orleans year-round, and the city is located near the water, which could give Harbaugh a similar environment to the climate he has enjoyed for the last three years. The NFC South is also in a fragile place, and Harbaugh could be a front-runner to rule the division in his first season if he can get the Saints to resemble the Chargers at their peak.
Tennessee Titans
The 1-7 Tennessee Titans might be in line to clean house after the season. Robert Saleh’s addition never quite made sense to most fans, and the result has been what many Titans fans feared. Cam Ward was expected to take a step forward, but the quarterback has failed to do so with six touchdowns and five interceptions. As such, Tennessee could find itself in a position similar to Miami, with a clean slate after the season ends.
The Jaguars have become a potential perennial problem in the AFC South, but Harbaugh might not have much trouble jumping the Titans into the top two if the Texans stay down, considering they are in second place at 2-5. Tennessee would also provide the mostly warm climate that Harbaugh might have liked in Los Angeles.