Cooper Neill/Getty Images
Los Angeles Chargers star linebacker Khalil Mack was skeptical about the team hiring head coach Jim Harbaugh prior to the 2024 season, but he can admit that he was wrong as the team prepares for Saturday’s AFC wild-card matchup against the Houston Texans.
Mack recounted a story to ESPN’s Kris Rhim in which he and Harbaugh spoke on the phone after he was hired by the Chargers. The veteran wasn’t completely sold on returning to Los Angeles after the team’s five-win season in 2023.
“I ain’t trying to play another six more years, then start piggybacking on motherf–kers, jumping on a playoff team and trying to chase one,” Mack said. “I want to play meaningful football and I communicated that to him.”
Instead of immediately trying to convince Mack to return, Harbaugh spoke candidly about the deficiencies within the Chargers roster and explained the improvements that are needed for the team to return to playoff contention.
“He’s not the type of dude to lie to you. And I’ve been lied to before,” Mack said. “I respected it, man.”
Harbaugh helped lead the Chargers to an 11-6 record and the No. 5 seed in the AFC playoffs. Mack played in 16 games and recorded 39 total tackles, six sacks, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and nine passes defended. He was named to his ninth career Pro Bowl as a reserve.
The Chargers haven’t advanced past the wild-card round since 2018, so they will be looking to get their playoff run started on the right foot when they face the Texans on Saturday.
