Nov 27, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) looks on before the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Chargers announced who would become their next quarterbacks coach under new head coach Jim Harbaugh. After Harbaugh was hired in January, there was much speculation that the Chargers could look to hire former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
Colin Kaepernick was linked to Jim Harbaugh’s new staff
Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) roars after his fourth quarter touchdown in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Jack Gruber-USA TODAY Sports
As discussed previously on GH, NBC Sports’ Mike Florio thought Harbaugh would have the sway to hire Kaepernick onto his staff, likely as the quarterback’s coach, for the 2024 season:
Florio thinks Harbaugh has the political capital to hire Kaepernick to his new staff with the Chargers “in an effort to right a seven-year wrong” of Kaepernick being ousted from the league.
Hiring Kaepernick would be a profoundly polarizing decision for Harbaugh and the Chargers. Many fans are passionate about never wanting to see Kaepernick in the NFL again. However, many other fans appreciate what Kaepernick protested and risked.
Harbaugh was reportedly interested in hiring Kaepernick as his quarterbacks coach when the Minnesota Vikings were interested in hiring Harbaugh a few seasons prior.
Kaepernick will not have the quarterback’s job on Harbaugh’s coaching staff for 2024.
The Los Angeles Chargers hired Shane Day as their QBs coach
November 13, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers passing game coordinator Shane Day before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
According to Mike Garafolo with the NFL Network, the Chargers hired Shane Day as their quarterbacks coach Thursday. He held the same title in Los Angeles for the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
The #Chargers are bringing back Shane Day as QBs coach on Jim Harbaugh’s coaching staff, sources say. Day was with the #Texans this season after serving as pass game coordinator and QB coach for Justin Herbert in 2021-22. Herbert’s a big fan. pic.twitter.com/hXb6WVzE4r
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 8, 2024
No Chargers coaching job for Kaepernick this season
Apr 2, 2022; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh talks to Colin Kaepernick during halftime at the Michigan Spring game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Day’s hire should close the book on the Kaepernick reunion with Harbaugh this offseason. The Chargers hired Marcus Brady as their passing game coordinator on Thursday, so there isn’t really a spot open for Kaepernick’s expertise.
Maybe next offseason?
For More Football News:
Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in college and NFL news, click here!
