Jim Harbaugh is no stranger to the environment; he is no stranger to the NFL – and, by the way, to the Chargers.

A first-round draft choice of the Chicago Bears in 1987, Harbaugh spent the latter part of his 15-year NFL career with the Bolts, starting 17 games for the franchise during the 1999 and 2000 seasons.

Harbaugh’s career as a football player eventually led him to coaching. From his first head coaching position at the University of San Diego to Stanford and the San Francisco 49ers to the University of Michigan, his alma mater, Harbaugh has orchestrated turnarounds and achieved tremendous success at each stop.

But a part of him always stayed with the Bolts.

From the moment Harbaugh was hired in late January, he worked daily to establish a culture of success that met his personal standards.

Harbaugh didn’t mind getting his hands dirty.

“I love working. I love working and having something to work on,” Harbaugh said. “I sit at my desk and hope that someone brings me something to work on.”

“To do this in an environment like this with these great people is inspiring. It really is,” Harbaugh continued. “There’s so much to do, so much to learn. I feel like I’m on my feet all day. I have things to do.”

He later added: “I dare say, I enjoy it.”

Harbaugh’s impact on the Chargers extends beyond the football field.

There is enthusiasm for the organization not only in Los Angeles, but throughout the entire national football community.

You feel it when you drive north on Freeway 405 and pass a billboard with Harbaugh’s face.

You see it when NFL experts discuss Harbaugh’s return to the NFL on the radio and television.

Dean Spanos, owner and CEO of the Chargers, also feels this.

“That would be an understatement, but I haven’t been this excited in a long time,” Spanos said. “I see it in the community, I see it in the organization, from our staff to our players and our coaches. It’s electrifying.”

“I think Jim’s presence has brought a greater awareness of our team … and I think the fans are very excited about that,” Spanos added. “You see it everywhere you go.”