Colin Kaepernick’s Potential NFL Return
The Los Angeles Chargers made a big move by hiring Jim Harbaugh as their new head coach, replacing Brandon Staley. This has sparked speculation about Colin Kaepernick potentially joining Harbaugh’s coaching staff in Los Angeles. The two have a history together from their time with the San Francisco 49ers, and Kaepernick even made an appearance during the Wolverines’ spring game in 2022. There were reports in 2022 that Harbaugh planned to bring Kaepernick on board if he took the Minnesota Vikings job.
A Controversial Idea
However, not everyone thinks this would be a good idea. Former Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman believes it would be a bad move, considering the long list of coaches and former players who are waiting for an opportunity like that. He argues that there are more qualified individuals who have put in the time and effort to work their way up the coaching ladder.
San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman looks at the scoreboard in the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego Sept. 20, 2009. (Mark J. Rebilas/USA Today Sports)
Merriman firmly believes that bypassing other deserving candidates would be a slap in the face to those who have dedicated themselves to the profession.
Kaepernick’s Endorsement
Interestingly, Kaepernick himself recently endorsed Harbaugh before he accepted the Chargers job. He praised Harbaugh as the coach to call when you want to compete for a championship. Harbaugh has also been a vocal supporter of Kaepernick in the past, expressing his belief that it was “absurd” for Kaepernick to be without a job in the NFL. He hopes that Kaepernick will get another opportunity to play.
Colin Kaepernick interacts with Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh during a throwing exhibition at halftime of the Michigan spring football game at Michigan Stadium April 2, 2022, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (Jaime Crawford/Getty Images)
While Kaepernick has expressed his readiness to return to the NFL if given the opportunity, it remains uncertain whether he would be interested in a coaching role. He played under Harbaugh from 2011 to 2014, reaching two NFC championships and winning one. The team came close to winning the Super Bowl in 2013 but fell short against the Baltimore Ravens.
Kaepernick’s last game in the NFL was on January 1, 2017, against the Seattle Seahawks. Since then, he has been at the forefront of social activism, advocating for the abolition of the police and prisons and comparing the NFL Draft to a slave auction. He accused NFL owners of blackballing him from the league, and while he reached a settlement with the NFL, his tryouts in front of scouts did not result in a contract.
Continued Activism
In May, Kaepernick stated that he has not seen any significant change within the NFL regarding its response to social injustice. Despite this, he remains committed to his activism and using his platform to bring attention to important issues.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the San Francisco 49ers shakes hands with Colin Kaepernick during warmups prior to a game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium Sept. 21, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (Norm Hall/Getty Images)
As the discussion around Kaepernick’s potential return to the NFL continues, it remains to be seen whether he will find a place on the Chargers’ coaching staff or if he will pursue other opportunities within the league. Regardless of his future in football, Kaepernick’s impact on and off the field cannot be denied.
