Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh provided former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick a training job throughout the crew in January, he advised USA Right now’s Jarrett Bell final week. However Harbaugh advised reporters Thursday that Kaepernick received’t be part of the Chargers employees in 2024 as a coach or participant.
“I really like Colin, however he’s not going to be on the teaching employees I set for this yr, and he’s not going to be taking part in on the roster both,” Harbaugh mentioned.
Harbaugh mentioned he spoke to Kaepernick after getting employed because the Chargers head coach about the opportunity of Kaepernick becoming a member of the crew in a training capability, USA Right now reported Wednesday. Harbaugh additionally mentioned nothing has modified since that dialog and Kaepernick hasn’t reconnected with Harbaugh in regards to the teaching alternative, in accordance with the report. He confirmed Thursday that the final time the 2 spoke was February.
Kaepernick, 36, advised Sky Sports activities on Tuesday that he nonetheless has a want to play within the NFL. He hasn’t performed because the 2016 season when he started to protest racial inequality and police brutality by kneeling throughout the nationwide anthem.
“We’re nonetheless coaching, nonetheless pushing,” Kaepernick advised Sky Sports activities. “We simply want certainly one of these crew house owners to open up.”
Kaepernick and former San Francisco 49ers teammate Eric Reid sued the NFL, accusing the league’s 32 groups of colluding to maintain them out of the game after kneeling throughout the anthems. They reached a authorized settlement with the league in 2019.
Harbaugh coached Kaepernick from 2011 to 2014 when he performed for the 49ers. Kaepernick led the 49ers to a Tremendous Bowl look throughout the 2012 season. He threw a career-high 21 landing passes throughout the 2013 season.
Harbaugh and Kaepernick remained shut since being on the identical crew. Harbaugh made Kaepernick an honorary captain throughout a Michigan spring sport in March 2022. Harbaugh has been publicly supportive of Kaepernick’s battle for social justice.
Harbaugh employed a number of gamers from his time with the 49ers as coaches with the Chargers. This consists of three-time Professional Bowler NaVorro Bowman as linebackers coach, former fullback/defensive lineman Will Tukuafu as assistant defensive position coach and Tremendous Bowl XLIV champion Jonathan Goodwin as assistant offense/quarterbacks coach. Three-time Professional Bowler Delanie Walker and four-time Professional Bowler Mike Iupati are teaching interns for coaching camp.
Harbaugh is about to start his first season as Chargers head coach seven months after main Michigan to a nationwide championship. He coached the Wolverines from 2015 to 2023 after parting methods with the 49ers following the 2014 season.
Harbaugh advised The Athletic’s Tim Kawakami that he’s “proper again at it” following the championship win and changing into an NFL coach once more.
“Now you bought to do it once more,” Harbaugh mentioned. “Any job you do, it’d be like digging a gap. That’s the one job I can consider the place you begin on high.”
Harbaugh mentioned he’s “attacking” the chance with “enthusiasm” as he begins his teaching tenure with the Chargers. He mentioned he “desires extra” from his gamers as they attempt to enhance on a 5-12 season during which they missed the playoffs.
“I’m right here. So that is the place my ft are. And that is the place all my focus is,” Harbaugh mentioned.
In his first six NFL seasons, Kaepernick compiled a 28-30 report as a starter and handed for 12,271 yards and 72 touchdowns in opposition to 30 interceptions. He additionally rushed for two,300 yards and 13 scores throughout that stretch.
The Athletic’s Daniel Popper contributed to this story.
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(Photograph: Harry How / Getty Photographs)