Jim Harbaugh’s second season as head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers came to a disappointing close with a wild-card playoff exit. Los Angeles was eliminated by the New England Patriots, managing just three points in a 16-3 loss.
The defeat capped a season that began with optimism but ultimately fell short of the organization’s goals. A week before the loss, Harbaugh was also hit with difficult news on a family front, as brother John Harbaugh was fired by the Baltimore Ravens following the conclusion of their season.
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While the playoff loss is expected to prompt some notable changes, there are no signs that the Chargers organization intends to move on from Jim Harbaugh in the offseason. Still, the end of the season has coincided with more pressing personal matters for the veteran coach.
Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh.Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Harbaugh has been dealing with a serious health scare involving his son, James, who was recently hospitalized after suffering a seizure.
On Thursday, James Harbaugh shared an update on Instagram detailing what happened and where things stand medically.
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“Hi everyone – day two here in the hospital after suffering a seizure (for the first time in my life) on a hike here in Washington yesterday,” James Harbaugh wrote. “Luckily all my scans are normal, but we still don’t know how it happened. One minute I felt fine, then I hallucinated seeing things that weren’t there, and suddenly fell into the rocks in a full seizure.”
Jim Harbaugh’s son, James, shared a health update on his Instagram stories.Instagram/ jamesharbaugh
The update provided some reassurance, particularly with scans returning normal results, though the cause of the seizure remains unclear. Harbaugh has long been known as a deeply family-oriented figure, maintaining close relationships with his children throughout his coaching career. James Harbaugh, a University of Michigan graduate who works as a flight attendant, according to People magazine, has frequently spoken about the support he has received from his father in pursuing his own path.
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As James Harbaugh continues to recover under medical supervision, the Harbaugh family is hoping for clarity and a full recovery.
Related: John Harbaugh Has No Plans to Retire After Ravens’ Firing Decision
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.