Jim Harbaugh is looking to build an Avengers-level team on the LA Chargers coaching staff and he just added another hero to the fold. Colorado State defensive line coach Chuka Ndulue accepted a job as the Chargers' assistant defensive line coach one day after training camp got underway.
This is Ndulue's first NFL coaching gig after spending four seasons with Colorado State as the defensive line coach.
Ndulue was a dominant nose tackle at Oklahoma who bounced around practice squads in the NFL in the mid-2010s. While he never played an NFL snap, Ndulue actually has direct experience with the Chargers. The former defensive tackle was with the Chargers during training camp in 2016 and spent the season on the Bolts' practice squad.
Chuka Ndulue returns to Chargers after accepting assistant DL coach job
We don't blame any Chargers fans who didn't know Ndulue previously spent time with the team. It's a pretty tall ask to know every single player on a team's practice squad, let along those on the practice squad from nearly a decade ago.
Hiring Ndulue goes hand-in-hand with how Harbaugh has built up coaching staffs over the years. Harbaugh really values former players and their insights as coaches. A former player himself, Harbaugh recently hired former 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman to be the team's linebackers coach.
Prior to that, the only coaching experience Bowman had was one season as a defensive analyst for Maryland. Now, Bowman is one of the most respected coaches on the staff. Ndulue could follow in his footsteps.
Ndulue will be working under defensive line coach Mike Elston. Elston was part of the Michigan coaching staff that Harbaugh brought with him to the NFL and he could eventually be a candidate to leave for a promotion.
With nearly three decades of coaching experience, Elston could be a defensive coordinator candidate if the Chargers have another strong defensive season. This is especially true if defensive coordinator Jesse Minter gets more head coach looks. If Minter leaves, Elston could follow for a promotion.
Getting Ndulue in the door now may be preparing for that future reality. Regardless of the intent, though, it's always great to have another former San Diego Charger back in the fold.