Jim Harbaugh's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Jim Harbaugh.

Jim Harbaugh is an American football coach and former quarterback. He's known for his successful coaching career, including stints as head coach for the Los Angeles Chargers (NFL), University of Michigan, San Francisco 49ers, Stanford University, and University of San Diego. As a player, Harbaugh was a quarterback in the NFL for 14 seasons, most notably with the Chicago Bears (1987-1993). He also played college football at Michigan (1983-1986). Harbaugh has a proven track record of success at both the collegiate and professional levels.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1966: Notre Dame's Championship Team

In October 2015, Michigan beat #13 Northwestern 38–0, making the Wolverines the first team with a pair of 30-point shutouts against ranked opponents since Notre Dame's 1966 championship team.

October 26, 1985: School Record with Passing Yards

On October 26, 1985, Jim Harbaugh set a school record with 283 passing yards in a 42–15 victory over Indiana.

November 16, 1985: Victory over Minnesota

On November 16, 1985, in a 48–7 victory over Minnesota, Jim Harbaugh completed 13 of 18 passes for 243 yards and three touchdowns, breaking the school record of 118 completions for the season.

1985: Statistics in 1985

In 1985, Jim Harbaugh completed 145 of 227 passes for 1,976 yards, 18 touchdowns and six interceptions, and led the nation with a 163.7 passing efficiency rating.

1986: Passing Yards Record

For the 1986 season, Jim Harbaugh's 2,729 passing yards set a Michigan season record.

1986: Victory over Ohio State

In 1986, Jim Harbaugh guaranteed a victory over Ohio State, and the Wolverines defeated the Buckeyes, 26–24.

1986: Heisman Trophy Finalist

In 1986, as a fifth-year senior, Jim Harbaugh led Michigan to the 1987 Rose Bowl and was a Heisman Trophy finalist, finishing third.

1989: Increased Playing Time and Team Record

In 1989, Jim Harbaugh saw more playing time after Jim McMahon left the team and started five games for Chicago. In 1989, he achieved his first season with over 1,000 passing yards and set a team record for single-season completion percentage.

1990: NFC Central Division Win

In 1990, Jim Harbaugh started in the first 14 games, contributing to Chicago's 11-5 record and NFC Central division win. Due to a shoulder injury, he missed the last two games and playoffs in 1990.

1995: Earned Nickname "Captain Comeback"

During his time with Indianapolis, such as leading the Colts to come-from-behind wins over the Chiefs and Chargers in the 1995-96 NFL playoffs and a near upset over the Steelers, Jim Harbaugh earned the nickname "Captain Comeback".

1995: Career Highs and AFC Championship Game

In 1995, Jim Harbaugh achieved career highs in completion percentage, passer rating, and touchdown passes, leading Indianapolis to the AFC Championship Game. He strained his right knee during a game against the Carolina Panthers on December 3, 1995.

December 31, 1995: AFC Wild Card Win Against San Diego

On December 31, 1995, Jim Harbaugh scored a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the AFC Wild Card Round against San Diego, contributing to Indianapolis' 35-20 victory.

January 7, 1996: Divisional Round Win Over Kansas City Chiefs

On January 7, 1996, Indianapolis won the Divisional Round game against the Kansas City Chiefs 10–7, with Jim Harbaugh contributing 112 passing yards.

2000: Shutout Wins

On October 3, 2015, Harbaugh led the Wolverines to a 28–0 shutout win against the Maryland Terrapins, posting back to back shutouts for the first time since 2000.

2002: First Playoff appearance since 2002

Despite expectations of a rebuilding season, Jim Harbaugh led the San Francisco 49ers to a 13-3 record in the regular season, winning the NFC West division and making it to the NFC Championship Game. This was the first time the 49ers had made the playoffs since 2002.

January 2005: Inducted into Colts Ring of Honor

In January 2005, Jim Harbaugh was inducted into the Indianapolis Colts Ring of Honor.

2005: Pioneer Football League Championship

In 2005, Jim Harbaugh directed the Toreros to an 11-1 record and won the Pioneer Football League championship.

2005: Pioneer League Championship at USD

In 2005, Jim Harbaugh led the University of San Diego to a Pioneer League championship.

2006: Consecutive Pioneer League Championship at USD

In 2006, Jim Harbaugh led the University of San Diego to a consecutive Pioneer League championship.

2006: Second Consecutive Pioneer League Title

In 2006, the University of San Diego, under Jim Harbaugh, won their second consecutive Pioneer League title.

2010: Successful Season at Stanford

In 2010, Jim Harbaugh led Stanford to an 11-1 regular season record, with their only loss to Oregon, earning them a #4 BCS ranking and a BCS bowl invitation to the Orange Bowl. Stanford defeated Virginia Tech 40-12 for their first bowl win since 1996 and the first BCS bowl victory in program history. Andrew Luck was the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy for the second year in a row, and Harbaugh was named the Woody Hayes Coach of the Year.

2011: Successful Season and Coach of the Year Awards

In 2011, Jim Harbaugh's work in San Francisco resulted in a successful season, revitalizing Alex Smith's career and creating one of the leading defensive squads. The 49ers lost in overtime to the New York Giants in the NFC Championship. Harbaugh was named AP NFL Coach of the Year, as well as Coach of the Year by the PFWA and Sporting News.

2013: Third Consecutive NFC Championship Appearance

In the 2013 season, Jim Harbaugh led the 49ers to a 12–4 regular-season record and a third consecutive appearance in both the playoffs and NFC Championship. The 49ers lost to the Seattle Seahawks, making Harbaugh the first NFL head coach to reach a conference championship game in each of his first three seasons.

2013: First appearance in the AP Top 25 since 2013

On September 26, 2015, Harbaugh led Michigan to a 31–0 victory over No. 22-ranked Brigham Young University, leading Michigan to move into #22 in the AP Poll. This was Michigan's first appearance in the AP Top 25 since 2013.

September 12, 2015: First Win as Michigan Head Coach

On September 12, 2015, Michigan won 35–7 against Oregon State, giving Jim Harbaugh his first win as Michigan's head coach.

September 26, 2015: Victory Over BYU and Top 25 Ranking

On September 26, 2015, Jim Harbaugh led Michigan to a 31–0 victory over No. 22-ranked Brigham Young University, leading Michigan to move into #22 in the AP Poll. This was Michigan's first appearance in the AP Top 25 since 2013.

October 3, 2015: Shutout Win Against Maryland Terrapins

On October 3, 2015, Jim Harbaugh led the Wolverines to a 28–0 shutout win against the Maryland Terrapins, posting back-to-back shutouts for the first time since 2000.

2022: Named Big Ten Coach of the Year

In 2022, Harbaugh was named Big Ten Coach of the Year, capping off a season that included the Wolverines' first 12-win regular season since 1905 and a victory in Columbus, Ohio, since 2000.

2023: National Championship

In 2023, Jim Harbaugh led the University of Michigan to win a national championship.

January 8, 2024: CFP National Championship Win

On January 8, 2024, Harbaugh led Michigan to a 34–13 win over Washington in the CFP National Championship, securing Michigan's first national championship since 1997 and first undisputed title since 1948.

September 8, 2024: First NFL Win Since 2014

On September 8, 2024, in his coaching debut with the Chargers, Harbaugh secured his first NFL win since December 2014, with the Chargers defeating the Las Vegas Raiders 22–10.