Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh wants to practice in Fresno as soon as next year. Both David and Derek Carr would love to see it. Illustration by Cecilia Lopez

NFL football could be coming to Fresno as soon as next summer. 

During a media availability on Wednesday, Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh spoke on his desire to bring an offseason practice to the Central Valley for a few days.  

“I want to go to other places. I got a great note about Oxnard, but I want to go to Fresno,” Harbaugh said. “I think it’s well documented my love of Fresno. We got great fans in Fresno, so hopefully that’ll be on the docket next summer.” 

Prior to beginning his nine-year stint as the University of Michigan’s head coach, which culminated in a national championship in 2023, Harbaugh helped conduct a summer camp at Roosevelt High School in 2015.

The second-year Chargers head coach also expressed his desire to retire one day and settle down in Fresno. 

Former NFL quarterbacks Derek and David Carr, two of the most well-known athletes in the Central Valley, shared their excitement about the potential for the Chargers to practice in Fresno next summer. 

Derek, who recently retired after two seasons with the New Orleans Saints, shared how important it would be for young fans. He mentioned how special it was to him to watch his brother practice when he was growing up.

“I think it would be great for our city and for all young football fans,” Derek said in a statement sent to The Business Journal. “To get a first-hand look at professional football and see people reaching their dreams. Watching my brother make it and watching him practice in person showed me if I worked hard enough, it could be possible for me too. I think it would inspire some young fans.”  

David, who was drafted first overall by the Houston Texans in 2002, said that seeing professional football up close could inspire future generations. 

“We’d be honored to welcome the team to Fresno. This community loves football, and having an NFL team practice here would light a fire in a lot of young athletes,” David said. “When you see it up close, how they prepare, how they carry themselves, it changes what you believe is possible. I think it would be a powerful moment for the Valley.”

Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer wrote in a statement shared on social media that Fresno would fully support the Chargers coming to Fresno.

“The idea of the Los Angeles Chargers holding training camp in Fresno is exciting—and if they decide to come, we’ll be ready to roll out the red carpet,” Dyer wrote. “This city has a strong fan base, a deep love for football and a community that would show up in full force.”

The Chargers currently host their training camp in El Segundo from July 17 through Aug. 8.