May 31, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA — Jim Harbaugh, former head coach of the Michigan Wolverines and current head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, has been awarded the prestigious National Football Foundation (NFF) Gold Medal, the organization’s highest honor. This accolade recognizes Harbaugh’s exceptional contributions to the game of football, leadership, and commitment to excellence both on and off the field.
Harbaugh joins an elite list of recipients that includes U.S. Presidents, military leaders, and legendary sports figures. His selection reflects not only his successful coaching career but also his dedication to the values of integrity, discipline, and education that the NFF champions.
Under Harbaugh’s leadership, the University of Michigan experienced a renaissance in its football program. He guided the Wolverines to three consecutive Big Ten titles (2021–2023), a national championship in 2023, and consistently ranked among the top programs in the country. His impact extended beyond wins and losses; Harbaugh emphasized academic achievement, personal development, and community involvement for his players.
In January 2024, Harbaugh returned to the NFL as head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, bringing his signature intensity and strategic prowess to the professional ranks. His coaching philosophy, deeply rooted in accountability and physicality, has earned him respect at every level of the game.
“The National Football Foundation Gold Medal represents the highest ideals of our sport,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. “Jim Harbaugh exemplifies those ideals. His influence on young men, his success as a coach, and his unwavering commitment to the values of football make him a deserving recipient.”
Harbaugh accepted the honor during the NFF’s Annual Awards Dinner in New York City, expressing gratitude for the mentors, players, and institutions that shaped his journey.
“Football is more than a game—it’s a vehicle for building character,” Harbaugh stated. “I’m humbled to receive this incredible honor.”
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