Colin Kaepernick may have the chance to return to the NFL, and it could be alongside his former coach, Jim Harbaugh. However, Harbaugh, who is now the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, envisions Kaepernick joining his coaching staff rather than playing.
In a recent interview, Kaepernick, 36, expressed to Sky Sports his desire to continue playing in the NFL, despite having not played since 2016. Harbaugh, meanwhile, believes Kaepernick would excel as a coach if he chooses that path. “If that was ever the path he was to take, I think that would be tremendous,” Harbaugh stated.
After returning to the NFL in January, Harbaugh discussed the possibility of Kaepernick joining the Chargers in a non-playing role. However, there haven’t been any recent developments on that front. “Yeah, we talked a little bit about it. He’s considering it,” Harbaugh said. He added that Kaepernick was traveling internationally at the time and planned to follow up, but they have not yet reconnected.
Kaepernick’s comments to Sky Sports indicate that his primary aim is to resume his playing career, seven years after his last game, which many believe was influenced by his protests against police brutality during the national anthem in 2016. Despite suing the NFL for collusion and reaching a settlement, Kaepernick has remained firm in his goal to return to the field. “We’re still training, still pushing,” he said. “So, hopefully. We’ve just got to get one of these team owners to open up.”
Harbaugh has consistently supported Kaepernick throughout the years, even organizing a workout for him while he was away from the NFL. Their partnership flourished during Harbaugh’s time with the San Francisco 49ers, where they achieved significant success together, including a Super Bowl appearance.
While Harbaugh seems open to the idea of Kaepernick joining his coaching team, he has not publicly considered allowing him the opportunity to play again. A spokesperson for Harbaugh declined to comment on Kaepernick’s aspirations to return as a player when approached for insight.
Kaepernick has emphasized that returning to play would fulfill a lifelong ambition, describing it as a major accomplishment. “I could bring a lot to a team and help them win a championship,” he remarked.
Currently, the Chargers are dealing with quarterback Justin Herbert’s recovery from a foot injury, and with underwhelming backup options in training camp, Kaepernick’s skills could potentially be beneficial. However, Harbaugh’s inclination seems to lean more towards bringing Kaepernick in as a coach rather than a player.
Harbaugh respects Kaepernick’s role as a civil rights advocate and views him as a hero. “I see him as a hero,” he commented, recognizing the significant impact Kaepernick has made. Yet, if Kaepernick pursues his playing career first, Harbaugh will face tough choices ahead as well.