Harbaugh back in Houston for playoffs a year after winning college title when Chargers visit Texans

HOUSTON — Coach Jim Harbaugh returns to Houston on Saturday with the Los Angeles Chargers for a wild-card playoff game against the Texans, a little more than a year after leading Michigan to a national championship at NRG Stadium.

Harbaugh left Michigan after that 34-13 victory and has turned around the Chargers in his first season back in the NFL, helping them to an 11-6 record after they went 5-12 in 2023.

“Feels great to be alive in the football sense, and let’s keep her going,” Harbaugh said when asked about his return to Houston.

The Chargers are looking for their first playoff win since the 2018 season against a Houston team that won the AFC South for a second straight year. The Texans (10-7) beat the Browns, 45-14, in the opening round last season before falling to the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round.

Los Angeles defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, who held the same job on that Michigan team, reflected on his previous coaching trip to Houston.

“That seems like it was about 20 years ago,” he said. “Great memories of finishing out a really cool season with a great group of guys that kind of built it out there. I’m just excited to have the opportunity to just be in the playoffs and have the opportunities with this group of players that have put in the work and the time to earn their way into the playoffs.”

The Chargers are 3-point favorites, according to BetMGM Sportsbook, but some believe they have a much clearer advantage after winning their last three games.

While Houston’s offense has struggled in the second half of the season after losing receivers Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell to injuries, the defense has been solid and ranks sixth in the NFL in yards allowed.

It has been particularly strong against the pass, allowing just 201 yards passing a game and ranking second in the league with 19 interceptions. The Texans also have one of the league’s most potent pass-rushing duos in Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr., who have combined for 23 sacks.

“They’re scary good,” Harbaugh said. “They’re thriving on getting a lot of interceptions, really good with pressure. Got really good players, but they’re really well coached. It’s a really good scheme, and they know and play it well.”

They will be challenged this week by Justin Herbert, who has thrown for 3,870 yards with 23 touchdowns and just three interceptions.

“It will be a collective effort,” Houston coach DeMeco Ryans said. “We have to have a really good rush up front. We have to be where our coverage is, we have to be disciplined in our coverages.”

Herbert, who is in his fifth season, is looking for his first postseason victory in his second playoff game.

“I’ve only played one game,” he said. “The most important thing is to trust yourself and know we didn’t get here by chance or luck. We earned the spot, and nothing else is given.”