Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh continues to draw from his Michigan connections as he bolsters his coaching staff. The latest addition comes in the form of Mike Elston, who served as the defensive line coach for the Wolverines.

Elston is set to step into the role left vacant by Jay Rodgers, who departed to join the Atlanta Falcons as their defensive line coach. His hiring marks another instance of Harbaugh tapping into his former colleagues from Michigan, following the recruitment of strength coach Ben Herbert.

During his tenure at Michigan from 2022 to 2023, Elston contributed to a formidable defense that ranked among the best in the nation. Notably, the Wolverines defense allowed the fifth-fewest rushing yards per game in the FBS during the 2023 season, showcasing Elston’s expertise in fortifying run defenses.

For the Chargers, Elston’s arrival holds promise for bolstering their run defense, an area that showed improvement but still requires enhancement. Despite climbing from 28th to 17th in run defense rankings between 2022 and 2023, the Chargers aim to further solidify their defensive capabilities, especially considering their overall ranking of fifth-last in the league in 2023.

The familiarity between Harbaugh and his former Michigan staff members is expected to foster organizational alignment within the Chargers. With Elston joining the fold, there’s anticipation for his impact in refining the defensive line’s performance and contributing to the team’s quest for defensive excellence.

As the Chargers gear up for the upcoming season, the addition of Elston signals their commitment to fortifying their defensive unit and pursuing success on the field.