How Jim Harbaugh Feels About Retaining Derwin James

Based on what we heard in Jim Harbaugh's introductory press conference almost a week ago, the Los Angeles Chargers' new head coach could not seem more excited to get started with his new team. 

Harbaugh was full of energy throughout the press conference, particularly when asked about some of the players he will be working with, including safety Derwin James, according to Omar Navarro of Chargers.com.

"Derwin James, there's another one. Talk about somebody getting me fired up," Harbaugh said at his presser.

James was one of the most talented safety prospects in recent memory coming out of Florida State back in 2018. The Chargers drafted him seventeenth overall, and James has been a core piece of the Chargers defense since. 

James will get to work under new Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, who led one of the best defenses in college football at Michigan before following Harbaugh to Los Angeles. It will be exciting to see how Minter schemes different defenses and schemes with James this upcoming season. 

The six-foot-two, 215 lb. safety compiled 125 tackles, two sacks, one interception and seven pass breakups in 2023. Through his career, James has recorded 497 total tackles, 11.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, eight interceptions and 32 pass breakups. 

His play has also earned him wide recognition. James has been named a Pro Bowler three times, and a first-team All-Pro twice in 2018 and 2021, including becoming one of the few played to be named a first-team All-Pro during their rookie season. After his second All-Pro honor, James signed a huge four-year, $76.4 million contract, which ensures he will be here to work under Harbaugh for the next few seasons.