The Los Angeles Chargers' divisional clash with the Denver Broncos on Sunday got off to an odd start. Shortly after kickoff, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh was seen entering the blue medical tent used to treat players with injuries mid-game. As the game got underway, Harbaugh went back to the Chargers' locker room at Empower Field at Mile High.
Here's the head coach entering the tent:
Right before kickoff, it appeared Jim Harbaugh went into the blue medical tent. pic.twitter.com/aoS0q4dkl2
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) October 13, 2024
Things got off to a good start for Harbaugh's squad even in his absence. The defense picked off Bo Nix on his first pass attempt of the game and went on to score the game's first points in the form of a field goal from Cameron Dicker.
Afterwards, the Chargers announced Harbaugh was questionable to return to the game with an illness.
HC Jim Harbaugh is questionable to return today due to what the team is calling an illness. DC Jesse Minter is serving as interim HC.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 13, 2024
Hopefully he recovers quickly. As noted by ESPN's Adam Schefter, defensive coordinator Jesse Minter will be the interim coach in his absence.
It is Harbaugh's first year as the Chargers' head coach. He won the national championship with Michigan last year before making the leap back to NFL waters. Previously, Harbaugh coached the San Francisco 49ers, posting a career record of 44-19-1 in four seasons.
UPDATE: Shortly after publication Harbaugh returned to the sidelines and all seems well.
Jim Harbaugh returns after going to the locker room with an illness.
— Clayton Sayfie (@CSayf23) October 13, 2024
Jesse Minter was the Chargers’ acting head coach for the brief period in which Harbaugh was not on the sideline. pic.twitter.com/OMFwCol3g8
This article was originally published on www.si.com as Jim Harbaugh Briefly Exits Chargers-Broncos With Illness.