Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh sent his condolences on the passing of NFL legend and great Mike Ditka.
Harbaugh, who played under Ditka and began his NFL career with the Chicago Bears, opened his press conference on Friday by paying his respects to the Ditka family.
"Man has done so much for our profession as a player, as a coach,” Harbaugh said.
"May coach rest in peace. He's an American original. I loved playing for him."
Ditka passed away on Friday. He was 86.
The NFL legend spent decades as a fixture in the game of football. He was a beloved figure in Chicago and helped lead the Bears to their most recent title in 1985, thanks to their ferocious defense, arguably the best the sport has ever seen.
Ditka is the ultimate symbol of Chicago football,
both in culture and looks.
Harbaugh played six seasons under Ditka. Chicago drafted Harbaugh in the first round of the 1987 NFL Draft.
Under Ditka, Harbaugh posted a 28-22 record, threw for 9,565 yards and 43 touchdowns, threw 45 interceptions and averaged 129.3 yards per game in 74 games and 50 starts.
After the 1992 season, the Bears fired Ditka after going 5-11 in the season. His 106 wins are the second-most in Bears history, behind only George Halas' 324 victories.
Harbaugh played one more season in Chicago after Ditka was fired.
The Chargers' 62-year-old coach will look to capture that elusive title that Ditka was able to do with the Bears.
That seems like a stretch this season with the Chargers off to a horrendous 0-4 start.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers’ Jim Harbaugh shares heartfelt message after Mike Ditka's passing
