Report: Chargers to hire NaVorro Bowman as linebackers coach

Jim Harbaugh has already brought back Greg Roman from his San Francisco days. Reportedly, he won’t be the last name to return from the 2010s 49ers.

The Chargers are expected to reach a deal with former All-Pro linebacker NaVorro Bowman to become their linebackers coach.

Reunion: The #Chargers are targeting former #49ers All-Pro LB NaVorro Bowman to be their new LBs coach, bringing him back together with Jim Harbaugh, per sources.

The two sides will have to come to an agreement on a deal, but the belief is it gets done. Bowman, who helped an SF… pic.twitter.com/kFWhA1RaBM

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 9, 2024

Bowman was an All-Pro linebacker in each one of his healthy Niners seasons under Harbaugh. In 2014, he missed the regular season with a torn ACL and MCL. Bowman would finish his playing career in 2017.

While Bowman doesn’t have formal coaching experience, he has spent the last three seasons as a defensive analyst for Maryland football. A step up to the pros would be an adjustment, but he obviously knows a thing or two about operating the middle of the field at the pro level. Especially while working with his former coach.

Bowman would be an inspired hire for a linebacker group in desperate need of retooling outside Daiyan Henley. Given their contractual situations, it seems unlikely that Kenneth Murray or Eric Kendricks will be back next season.

Bowman recently saw his longtime 49ers’ running mate Patrick Willis receive induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Now alongside Harbaugh once again, Bowman may not be done making an impact on the pro game after retiring four years ago.