Jim Harbaugh has guided the LA Chargers to the NFL playoffs after dismantling the New England Patriots – while earning himself an eye-watering bonus in the process.
Quarterback Justin Herbert passed for 281 yards and a season-high three touchdowns as the Chargers cruised to a 40-7 victory over the Patriots in Foxborough, a win which officially secured their place in the postseason.
Doing so means Harbaugh, who only moved to LA at the start of the year, becomes the first head coach in the Super Bowl era to lead two teams back to the playoffs in his first season after they had missed out with losing records the year prior.
He previously achieved that feat back in 2011 after reaching the NFC title game with the San Francisco 49ers.
Yet this time around, not only has Harbaugh resurrected a team’s fortunes on the field, but he’s also banked himself one off it.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the 61-year-old has activated a $1million bonus in his Chargers contract after making the playoffs.
Jim Harbaugh has banked a $1million bonus after guiding the LA Chargers to the playoffs
Harbaugh and the Chargers officially made the postseason after a 40-7 win over the Patriots
The team missed out on a playoff berth last season after going 5-12 and finishing fourth in the AFC West, a torrid run of form which resulted in Harbaugh’s predecessor Tom Telesco getting the boot in December of last year.
For Harbaugh, a formidable debut season in LA will bring the fourth postseason appearance of his five seasons as an NFL coach, adding to the three he made during his stint with the 49ers.
‘You talk to them and there’s more to do,’ he said after the playoff-clinching win against New England.
‘There’s no coach who could have it better than to be coaching these players. Nobody. Maybe the only person would be future us, could have it better than us.’
History was also made in Foxborough by Herbert, who finished 26 of 38 for 281 yards to become the third player in NFL history with at least 3,000 passing yards and 20 touchdown passes in each of his first five seasons. He joins Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning and Russell Wilson.
‘We had a good opportunity tonight and we went out and took it,’ the quarterback said. ‘We had a good plan. All week we knew how big of a game this was for us. Guys were dialed in, focused and we executed today.’
