New coach Jim Harbaugh wants Chargers 'humble and hungry

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - Jim Harbaugh was noncommittal Thursday about hiring the Los Angeles Chargers' head coach, creating championship hopes for a team that has yet to win a Super Bowl.

"It's going to take many, many challenges," Harbaugh said in his first press conference as Chargers' head coach. “We will be humble, humble and hungry, but that is our goal. Our goal is to treat people first class and win many competitions. "

Harbaugh said that in his first meeting with the Chargers, team owner Dean Spanos told him he was "hungry" to win.

This resonated strongly with Harbaugh.

Spanos was selected After interviewing 15 candidates, Harbaugh brought him back to the team where he starred as quarterback in both seasons in 1999 and 2000.

The Chargers, who have attended only one Super Bowl (1995) in franchise history, are in good shape as a contender.

They went 5-12 last season and were projected to have $54 million in salary cap space next spring, according to ESPN's Roster Management System, meaning Harbaugh might not have some of the best talent on the team. The highest-paid players.

Harbaugh said those decisions are in process, as are the NFL community and free agency, and that he plans to take the Chargers back soon. He has been elsewhere in the NFL based on leadership.

"A tough team, a strong team, a committed team, a physical team; That's what we want to do," Harbaugh explained. "Don't let the pink and blue fool you."

After hiring Harbaugh, the Chargers allowed general manager Kellen Moore to interview with other teams, and he was hired by Philadelphia Hired by Eagles. Many of the Chargers' other assistants are in limbo while Harbaugh builds out the rest of his staff.

Chargers announced that special teams coordinator Ryan Ficken interviewed for the same job with the New York Giants last month, a source told him. He blocked her after she told him they wanted him back. But Harbaugh did not say whether Ficken or defensive coordinator Derek Ansley would return, telling reporters he was working through the process.

"That's the No. 1 priority right now," Harbaugh said. "...We need a squad of qualified stars to coach our players." Ben Herbert has announced that he will join the Chargers.

The only coaching announcement made Thursday is that Michigan strength and conditioning coach Ben Herbert will join the Chargers. Harbaugh's sons Jay (Michigan's special teams coordinator) and Jesse Minter (defensive coordinator) have been linked to the Chargers. Still, when asked about Minter and his son's situation, Harbaugh got to the point where he was "trying" to assemble a roster. He also refused to give a timeline for the appointment.

"I want to talk to as many people as possible before the final hire," Harbaugh said.