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, currently the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers. Previously, he coached the University of Michigan (2015-2023), the San Francisco 49ers (2011-2014), Stanford University (2007-2010), and the University of San Diego (2004-2006). Before coaching, Harbaugh had a 14-season NFL career (1987-2000) as a quarterback, notably with the Chicago Bears (1987-1993), after playing college football at Michigan (1983-1986). He is known for his coaching success at both the college and professional levels.

Sections (6)

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

1948: First Undisputed National Championship Since 1948

The 2023 national championship was the school's first undisputed national championship since 1948.

1981: Steve Smith's Record-Breaking Season

In 1981, Steve Smith broke Michigan's single-season record with 2,335 yards of total offense.

1982: Previous Record of 118 Set By Steve Smith

In 1982, Steve Smith had set the school record for 118 completions.

November 5, 1983: First Pass for Michigan

On November 5, 1983, Jim Harbaugh completed his first pass for Michigan in a 42–10 victory over Purdue.

October 26, 1985: School Passing Record

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

November 16, 1985: Breaking School Record for Completions

On November 16, 1985, Jim Harbaugh broke the school record for completions with 123 for the season.

1985: Season Passing Statistics and Efficiency Rating

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

1986: Fiesta Bowl Victory and Season Ranking

In 1986, Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan Wolverines football team defeated Nebraska in the Fiesta Bowl, and finished the season ranked No. 2.

1986: Guaranteed Victory Over Ohio State

In 1986, Jim Harbaugh caused controversy when he guaranteed a victory over Ohio State, which proved valid as the Wolverines defeated the Buckeyes 26-24.

1986: Season Passing Statistics

In 1986, Jim Harbaugh completed 180 of 277 passes for 2,729 yards. He also finished second in the country in passing efficiency behind Heisman Trophy winner Vinny Testaverde.

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: First season with over 1,000 passing yards

In 1989, Jim Harbaugh saw more playing time after Jim McMahon left the team. 1989 was his first season with over 1,000 passing yards. He set a team record for single-season completion percentage with 62.4%.

1995: "Captain Comeback" nickname

During his time with Indianapolis, particularly in the 1995–96 NFL playoffs, Jim Harbaugh earned the nickname "Captain Comeback" for his ability to lead his team to victory in the fourth quarter when significantly behind.

1995: Career highs and AFC Championship Game

In 1995, Jim Harbaugh achieved career highs in completion percentage (63.7%), passer rating (100.7), and touchdown passes (17) and led Indianapolis to the AFC Championship Game. He strained his right knee during the Week 14 game on December 3, 1995.

1995: AFC Championship Game and Pro Bowl Selection

In 1995, Jim Harbaugh led the Indianapolis Colts to the AFC Championship Game, was selected to the Pro Bowl, and was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year.

December 31, 1995: AFC Wild Card Round win against San Diego

On December 31, 1995, in the AFC Wild Card Round against San Diego, Jim Harbaugh scored on a 3-yard quarterback sneak in the fourth quarter, and Indianapolis won 35–20.

January 7, 1996: Divisional Round win over Kansas City Chiefs

Indianapolis won the Divisional Round game on January 7, 1996, over the Kansas City Chiefs 10–7, despite only 112 passing yards from Jim Harbaugh.

1997: First National Championship Since 1997

The 2023 national championship was the school's first since 1997.

2002: Michigan Season Record

In 2002, Jim Harbaugh's 2,729 passing yards set a Michigan season record which was eventually broken.

2002: WKU Division I-AA National Champion team

Jim Harbaugh was involved in recruiting 17 players on WKU's 2002 Division I-AA national champion team.

2003: Ravens Stadium Renamed

Ravens Stadium at Camden Yards was renamed M&T Bank Stadium in 2003.

January 2005: Inducted into the Indianapolis Colts Ring of Honor

In January 2005, Jim Harbaugh was inducted into the Indianapolis Colts Ring of Honor, recognizing his successful and popular tenure with the team.

2005: Pioneer League Championship

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

2006: Consecutive Pioneer League Championship

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

2006: Second consecutive Pioneer League title

In 2006, the University of San Diego football team went 11–1 again, winning their second consecutive Pioneer League title with Jim Harbaugh as head coach.

2010: Successful season for Harbaugh and the Cardinal

The 2010 season brought more success for Jim Harbaugh and the Stanford Cardinal. The team went 11–1 in the regular season, earning a #4 BCS ranking and a BCS bowl invitation to the Orange Bowl, where they defeated Virginia Tech 40–12. Harbaugh was named the winner of the Woody Hayes Coach of the Year Award.

2011: Harbaugh named AP NFL Coach of the Year

In 2011, Jim Harbaugh's work in San Francisco resulted in an extremely successful season. The 49ers' season ended with a loss in the NFC Championship. At the conclusion of the season, Harbaugh was named the AP NFL Coach of the Year.

2021: Big Ten Conference Title and College Football Playoff Berth

In 2021, Jim Harbaugh led the Michigan Wolverines to a Big Ten Conference title and a berth in the College Football Playoff.

2022: Harbaugh Named Big Ten Coach of the Year

In 2022, Jim Harbaugh was named Big Ten Coach of the Year after leading the Wolverines to their first 12-win regular season since 1905 and their first victory in Columbus, Ohio, since 2000.

2023: National Championship Win

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

January 8, 2024: Michigan Wins CFP National Championship

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

September 8, 2024: Harbaugh Wins First NFL Game with Chargers

On September 8, 2024, in his coaching debut with the franchise, Jim Harbaugh led the Chargers to a 22-10 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. This marked his first NFL win as a head coach since December 2014.