Colin Cowherd boldly claims that Jim Harbaugh is the greatest football coach in history, surpassing legendary figures like Bill Belichick, Bill Walsh, and Vince Lombardi, due to his consistent success across both college and NFL without failures.

Harbaugh's recent coaching stint with the Chargers has been remarkable, transforming the team from a 5-12 record in 2023 to an 11-6 playoff-bound team in 2024, with notable improvements in defense, the running game, and the offensive line.

His impact extends beyond just win-loss records, as Harbaugh is credited with significantly elevating team performance, especially evident after his departure from previous teams like Stanford and the 49ers, where teams struggled to recover immediately.

Harbaugh is often described as the 'soul of a program,' capable of elevating teams from challenging starting points to greatness, and his departure from successful teams typically results in a noticeable decline.

He is praised not only for his results but also for his ability to rebuild and inspire teams, making him a strong candidate for the greatest coaching figure in football history.

Cowherd emphasizes that Harbaugh’s influence leaves a lasting legacy, with teams like the 49ers and Stanford struggling to maintain success immediately after his departure.

Harbaugh's first season with the Chargers in 2024 was highly successful, including significant victories over top teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders, indicating his effective leadership.

The Chargers started the 2025 season strong with a 2-0 record, defeating the Chiefs and Raiders, showcasing his ability to lead teams to quick success.

Harbaugh has an impressive coaching record of 172-71-1 across college and NFL, with winning percentages of 71.4% in college and 69.3% in the NFL, demonstrating his high level of success.