1. The first big move the Chargers must make is hiring a general
manager. They’ve announced second interviews with New York Giants
assistant GM Brandon Brown and Baltimore Ravens director of player
personnel Joe Hortiz. They, it appears, are the two finalists. Brown and
Hortiz both have pre-existing relationships with Harbaugh. And given the
timing of the process, it is fair to assume Harbaugh will have
considerable input in who the Chargers end up hiring.

Hortiz, 48, has been with the Ravens for 26 years, the past five as
director of player personnel. He has been in Baltimore for 16 seasons
with John Harbaugh, Jim’s brother. John was hired as head coach in 2008.

Brown, 35, was hired by the Giants in 2022, when they hired Joe Schoen
as general manager. Before that, Brown spent five seasons with the
Philadelphia Eagles — two as assistant director of pro scouting, two as
director of pro scouting and one as director of player personnel. Brown
also spent two years with the Indianapolis Colts as a scout. He played
defensive back at Fordham and also has a law degree.

My sense is Brown has the upper hand in what is shaping up as a two-man
race. Either way, this hire should be finalized sooner rather than later.