Jim Harbaugh Stands Firm Behind Justin Herbert Following Another Playoff Exit

Despite scoring just three points in the wildcard round defeat against the Patriots, head coach Jim Harbaugh refused to blame quarterback Justin Herbert who is now 0-3 in the playoffs.

Jim Harbaugh Stands Firm Behind Justin Herbert Following Another Playoff Exit

Justin Herbert and Jim Harbaugh (Image via IMAGO)

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A wildcard exit is not going to make Jim Harbaugh give up on Justin Herbert, whom he wants to see in the Pro Football Hall of Fame someday. In his final press conference of the season, the Los Angeles Chargers’ head coach stood by his quarterback, defending him against the widespread criticism of his performance against the Patriots.

In that loss, Herbert completed 19 passes from 31 attempts for 159 yards and was sacked six times by the Patriots’ defensive line. It was among the worst performances in Herbert’s career.

Despite the awful display, coach Harbaugh refused to blame the loss on Herbert. In fact, Harbaugh doubled down on his support for the Pro Bowler.

Justin’s a winner. I don’t think there’s anybody who could watch him the way he prepares, trains, the level of talent, and not say that he’s a winner. 100% in my mind.

Jim Harbaugh said

General manager Joe Hortiz seconded Harbaugh’s assessment of Herbert. Hortiz claimed that the loss “has nothing to do with any individual player.”

In 2022, Herbert made his first postseason appearance. That game will always be remembered for the Chargers blowing a 27-0 lead and losing to the Jaguars. Harbaugh took charge of the LA outfit ahead of the 2024 season. Herbert threw four interceptions in his second playoff game, which was also Harbaugh’s first with the Chargers. He is now 0-3 in the playoffs.

When reporters asked the 27-year-old if he was still confident that he could make a playoff run or even win one postseason game.

I haven’t figured it out yet, and it hasn’t happened. We’ll have to re-evaluate it and see what happens.

Herbert said (H/T: Associated Press)

Chargers’ fire Justin Herbert’s offensive coach following the loss to the Patriots in the Wildcard round

Herbert had a tough time spreading the ball last Saturday. Sure, he took more than 3 seconds (most by a QB in the playoffs in the 2025 season) to release the ball, but the guys that were supposed to protect him were nowhere to be found.

Jim Harbaugh Stands Firm Behind Justin Herbert Following Another Playoff Exit
Justin Herbert (Image via IMAGO)

The Chargers’ offensive line finished as the third-worst in the regular season, and it showed when the Patriots’ pass rushers applied 30 pressures on Herbert. According to the AP report, the Chargers led the league in third-down conversions but managed to complete only one out of ten attempts.

The Chargers brass was quick to fire offensive coordinator Greg Roman and offensive line coach Mike Devlin. The Chargers are now in the market for a new OC. However, declined to give a straightforward answer when asked to reveal the names of potential candidates.

Wide net being cast… We’re looking for the best one that has a track record, has proven success, and can show us his vision for what our offense is going to look like and be like.

Jim Harbaugh said

The Chargers also said goodbye to linebackers coach NaVorro Bowman, who stepped down to focus on coaching his son, a rising basketball star.

For those of you that don’t know, his son is an elite hooper, and he wants to be a dad. And guide him through the process of selecting a college. As a father, excited for Bow. As a general manager and teammate of Bow’s here, I’m disappointed. I love him, and he did a great job. I understand his thought process. So, we’ll miss him.

GM Joe Hortiz said (H/T: Bolt Beat)

The Chargers have plenty of issues to address in the upcoming offseason. Herbert may be a great quarterback, but he needs the players around him to earn that elusive postseason win. Otherwise, he’ll fall into the Dak Prescott category, a quarterback who shines in the regular season but struggles to deliver in the playoffs.

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