Colin Kaepernick sets record straight on Jim Harbaugh's offer to join Chargers' coaching staff

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh appears to have maintained a close relationship with his former quarterback, Colin Kaepernick. They were part of the San Francisco 49ers during the 2011 to 2014 seasons.

Earlier this year, Harbaugh revealed in an interview that he contacted Kaepernick to explore the possibility of the former NFL quarterback joining the Chargers' coaching staff.

Jim Harbaugh and Colin Kaepernick set record straight on coaching rumors

Jim Harbaugh stated he spoke with Colin Kaepernick shortly after taking the head coaching role in Los Angeles. However, in August, Harbaugh confirmed that Kaepernick would not be joining the staff for the 2024 season, Fox News reported.

"I love Colin, but he's not going to be on the coaching staff, which is set for this year. And he's not going to be playing on the roster either," Harbaugh made a statement following a Chargers practice session in August.

This week, Kaepernick appeared as a guest on 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon' and clarified the speculation regarding an offer for a coaching position.

"It is not true," Kaepernick informed Fallon, elaborating that he discovered the situation upon checking social media. "I found out the same way everyone else did — on social media. I was like, 'Oh, I got a coaching offer.' No, no coaching offer."

Fallon inquired if Kaepernick would consider coaching in the NFL eventually, to which the former quarterback clarified that his interest lies in playing the game rather than coaching.

"No interest in coaching," Kaepernick replied. "I need the adrenaline rush of playing and being in it, or I think I can have more impact in other places with my time."

When did Colin Kaepernick stop playing NFL?

The former NFL quarterback, 36, hasn't played in an NFL game since 2016, but he remains committed to the sport. Kaepernick has consistently expressed his desire to play football and continues to pursue opportunities to join a team.

Kaepernick's career took a downward turn in 2016 when he knelt during the national anthem before NFL games to protest police brutality and racial inequality in the United States.

In September 2017, then-president Donald Trump stated that NFL owners should "fire" players who protest during the national anthem. Following that season, Kaepernick opted to become a free agent and has since remained unsigned while seeking a way back into the league.

Jim Harbaugh praises Colin Kaepernick's coaching potential

Despite recent developments, Jim Harbaugh maintains confidence in Colin Kaepernick's potential as a coach, praising the former quarterback for his insightful understanding of the game.

"I have thought that for a long time. Just the respect that I have for the football mind he has and the football man that he is," Harbaugh said in August. "[Late Raiders owner] Al Davis saw something in me that made him think I would be a good coach, and I see those same qualities in Colin. If it is something he chooses."

Colin Kaepernick, who last played in an NFL game in 2016, has expressed interest in joining the US flag football team for the Olympics, with the sport set to be included in the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.

Colin Kaepernick faces backlash following coaching speculation

As soon as the news broke on platform X, users immediately criticized former NFL player Colin Kaepernick. A user wrote, "Ungrateful little snot."

Another added, "Washed up. He’s needy for attention."

A third commented, "McDonald’s. That’s your calling."

"I WILL NEVER WATCH ANY GAME WHERE HE IS THERE IN ANY WAY," a critic commented.

A person claimed, "He doesn’t deserve to play pro football ever again."

Another added, "Nobody wants him…. and I don’t blame them."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.