Former San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Mike Iupati was spotted at the first day of Chargers training camp.
Former 49ers IOL Mike Iupati (2010-2014) was spotted at Chargers training camp 👀 pic.twitter.com/K2fkcNaRNe
— Tyler Schoon (@tylerjschoon) July 25, 2024
There is a brief exchange between head coach Jim Harbaugh, Iupati, and other members of the Chargers' coaching staff on the team's latest mic'd up video. There has been no announcement regarding Iupati coaching or interning with the team in any capacity; however, it would not be a shock given the team's recent hirings of former players.
Harbaugh hired former 49ers linebacker Navorro Bowman, former 49ers and Seattle Seahawks defensive lineman and fullback Will Tukuafu, and former Chargers center Nick Hardwick to round out the coaching staff. Iupati, if brought on, would likely be a summer intern working with Hardwick and offensive line coach Mike Devlin. In 2021, former Chicago Bears linebacker John Timu joined the Chargers under the Alex G. Spanos Coaching Fellowship. He worked his way up the ranks in 2022 and 2023, ultimately securing a role as an assistant defensive line coach before the team parted ways with its staff.
Iupati brings 11 years of NFL experience, two All-Pro nominations, and four Pro-Bowl nominations to the table. 8,496 left guard blocking snaps across three different teams would be a tremendous wealth of experience for starter Zion Johnson to pull and learn from. Iupati's familiarity with offensive coordinator Greg Roman's system would also help streamline the process for the offensive linemen.
Players and former coaches visit training camps all the time, but Iupati's visit may not be just a one-time thing. Keep an eye on the sidelines as more training camp days unfold.
