SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/ KUSI) -- Longtime Chargers center Nick Hardwick, who played his entire 11-year career for the San Diego-era team, is now preparing to move back to California from Indiana.
This time, however, Hardwick won't be moving to America's Finest City, but instead to Los Angeles. He's been hired as the Chargers' new assistant offensive line coach, joining Jim Harbaugh's coaching staff.
Hardwick, who was a third-round pick of the San Diego Chargers in 2004, was a Pro Bowler and a member of the Chargers' 50th Anniversary Team in 2009. He started 136 games in his 11-season career.
After his retirement from the game, Hardwick worked on the Chargers' radio broadcasts. He's now gearing up to return to the field, but this time he will remain on the sideline.
Hardwick joined FOX 5 Friday morning to discuss the big opportunity, explaining what this level-up in his career means to him and his family.
"I've had my eye on (the coaching job) for awhile now. This time feels right. My boys are 12 and 10 years old, and I feel like I've got them on the path from a mentality standpoint," said Hardwick.
The former NFL center said he's excited to expose his boys to "great men" like Harbaugh and others who will be in the Chargers locker room. He believes they are now at the age where they can appreciate the experience with him.
When asked how he plans to help take the offensive line to the next level of play while also protecting talented quarterback Justin Herbert, Hardwick said, " One day at a time." He also commented on the importance of gradual relationship-building with Chargers players.
While looking back on his time in the NFL here in San Diego, the new assistant offensive line coach pointed to the community.
"Being with everybody and the support that we got was just really tremendous," he told FOX 5.
Hardwick said he's "crossing his fingers and hoping for the best" as he takes this next big step.