Jim Harbaugh vs. DeMeco Ryans looks like huge NFL playoffs mismatch

It took just one season for Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh to lead the franchise back to the postseason.

On Saturday, Harbaugh and the Chargers will travel to Houston to take on the Texans in the opening game of wild-card weekend.

MORE: Bizarre Jim Harbaugh competition is taking place on January 10th

On the other sideline, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans will be leading his team to their second straight postseason appearance. However, Harbaugh has the edge when it comes to a moment like this.

DeMeco will be facing a VERY battle-tested, BIG-GAME coach Saturday...

Jim Harbaugh:
- 31 years coaching experience
- 5 years of NFL HC experience (16 NCAA)
- 8 playoff games
- 3 Conference Championship Games

DeMeco Ryans:
- 8 years coaching experience
- 2 years as NFL…
— Landry Locker (@LandryLocker) January 6, 2025

In big games, experience matters. For the Chargers, they will have a lot of experience with Harbaugh leading the charge.

The Chargers head coach has been a part of eight NFL playoff games, which include three conference championship appearances.

DeMeco Ryan — Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

On the other side, Ryans will be taking part in his third playoff game in just his second year as an NFL head coach.

Of course, this isn't the biggest statistic heading into this game. However, Harbaugh having the experience of being in these situations more than Ryans could lead to an intimdating veteran presence that has really been discussed leading up to this game.

Jim Harbaug — David Butler II-Imagn Images

The only way you gain experience in the postseason is by qualifying for the playoffs. Ryans is doing just that in his hot start with the franchise. However, will there still be growing pains this postseason?

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