Justin Herbert has risen as one of the NFL’s most talented quarterbacks, yet his team, the Los Angeles Chargers, has seen limited success during his four-year tenure. Now, with Jim Harbaugh joining the team, there’s hope for the budding star.

Having guided Michigan to numerous victories, there’s speculation that Harbaugh could work similar wonders with the Chargers. He even enthusiastically discussed the team’s potential and outlined ambitious goals for their future. Now a former 49ers star has remarked that the Herbert-Harbaugh duo is destined for greatness, resembling the ideal combination of mentor and coach.

Can Jim Harbaugh be the architect of Herbert’s rise?

Justin Herbert is a key quarterback who has the potential to do great with Jim Harbaugh’s coaching. Recently, Ex 49er star Louis Riddick talked about this on The Rich Eisen Show. He said, “The kid [Justin] is hungry for football knowledge, to be coached, to be taught.” He also praised Herbert’s football intelligence and his ability to bond with his team. Riddick emphasized, “When you see Jim Harbaugh talk about coaching Justin Herbert, that’s really all you need to know. He is more jacked up about coaching him. You don’t get to see coaches get that excited, right?” 

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Riddick further added, “So he already has the want to, and Jim has the credibility. He is going to build a relationship with him. He’s obviously competent when it comes to quarterback teaching and he’s already shown you that he can impact players at that position as well as anybody, any coach in the league; college or pro.” The former NFL star believes it’s a promising combination of coach and player. Harbaugh might even be able to repeat the success he had with quarterback J.J. McCarthy while coaching the Wolverines.

Harbaugh’s blueprint for the LA Chargers

Harbaugh has a history of developing quarterbacks. He achieved success with Alex Smith and Colin Kaepernick at the 49ers and played a role in Andrew Luck’s development at Stanford. Most notably, he raised the bar for Michigan’s QB J.J. McCarthy. McCarthy had an outstanding first season, leading the Wolverines to a conference title and College Football Playoff bid. 

Read More: Potential Raiders’ QB J.J. McCarthy Fires “Interesting” Response to Facing Jim Harbaugh in the NFL

One of the factors that led Harbaugh to accept the Chargers job was the opportunity to work with Herbert. Harbaugh could potentially help Herbert build a strong running game and solid defense, which were strengths of his Michigan team but weaknesses for the Chargers under former coach Brandon Staley.

Could this partnership between Herbert and Harbaugh lead the Chargers to success in the AFC West next season? Share your thoughts with us.