Former NFL linebacker NaVorro Bowman played the best years of his career with Jim Harbaugh as his coach, with three first-team All-Pro selections during his four years playing with Harbaugh’s 49ers. Now Bowman is on Harbaugh’s staff as the Chargers’ linebackers coach, and Bowman says he and Harbaugh are a perfect match.
“Coach Harbaugh, I loved playing for him when I was at San Francisco and we were all sad when he left,” Bowman said. “Blessed to be here, blessed that he believes in me to do this work.”
Bowman said Harbaugh motivated him to be the best player he could be, and he’s using some of the same coaching tactics to get the best out of the Chargers’ linebackers.
“I left everything on the field for him. Just his pregame speeches and how he prepared us throughout the week, you just knew who you were coming to work for,” Bowman said. “Being able to understand his message and get his nod, his approval on how I played, it’s my job to get guys to play that way and do the things that he expects us to do, or the players to do, I should say. I think I’ll do that. I think I fit in perfectly. The guys just enjoy everything we’re doing right now.
Bowman hopes the Chargers’ linebackers enjoy playing for him as much as they enjoyed playing for Harbaugh.