Meet the new boss, same as the old boss. Nearly three months after being fired as Michigan’s offensive coordinator, Kirk Campbell reportedly has a new job in the NFL with Jim Harbaugh:
Former Michigan offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Kirk Campbell has a new gig working for his old boss. According to a report from NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero , Campbell has been hired as an offensive assistant for the Los Angeles Chargers under former Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh.
This comes after Campbell’s promising Michigan tenure ended in disasterous fashion. Less than a week after Michigan somehow beat Ohio State while only scoring 13 points, Campbell was fired , with tight ends Steve Casula serving as Michigan’s interim offensive coordinator beforr Sherrone Moore hired Chip Lindsey last month.
To be fair to Campbell, the Wolverines lost a lot of talent from the offense that helped lead the Wolverines to the National Championship. But nonetheless, he could not make Michigan’s offense even competent. Campbell’s offense finished the regular season No. 124 (out of 133) overall in total offense, No. 129 in passing offense (133.6 yards per game), No. 69 in rushing offense (160.7 yards per game) and No. 112 in scoring offense (22.2 points per game).
An optimist would argue Campbell was a chef working with rotten main ingredients, especially considering Michigan couldn’t find a clear answer at quarterback. Nevertheless, the Wolverines had a talented roster that appeared to be held back by horrid play calling, predictable play sequences and a lack of creativity towards the end of Campbell’s run.
Campbell wasn’t the only reason Michigan’s offense held the team back this season, but a change had to be made.
Campbell has now landed on his feet and is working with his former boss, who, according to the PR spin provided by presumably Campbell’s agent, “played a key role in the development of J.J. McCarthy as QB coach in 2023, when the Wolverines won the national title.” And the Wolverines have a new offensive leader in Lindsey, who recently shared his vision for Michigan’s new offense, including five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood .
We wish Campbell the best of luck in Los Angeles. Maybe he can help turn Justin Herbert into the elite quarterback that football nerds have sworn he is for half a decade now. Just don’t let him call plays, Jim.