INGLEWOOD, Calif. — During the pregame warmups on Monday night, John and Jim Harbaugh shared a warm embrace at midfield as the Baltimore Ravens faced off against the Los Angeles Chargers.
This encounter marked the third meeting between the Harbaugh siblings in their careers as NFL head coaches, yet it was the first since they clashed in Super Bowl 47 in 2013, where the Ravens secured a close victory over the San Francisco 49ers with a score of 34-31 in New Orleans.
The prior regular-season matchup took place on Thanksgiving in 2011, when the Ravens triumphed over the Niners 16-6 in Baltimore.
Jim Harbaugh departed from his role with the 49ers after the conclusion of the 2014 season to lead his alma mater, the University of Michigan. Over his nine seasons there, he coached the team to its most recent national title, and this season he embraced a new role with the Chargers. Last week, he expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to face his brother once more.
“Walking off the field at that Super Bowl was like, there will be another day. And then there wasn’t for many years and it looked like I wouldn’t have a chance for another day,” Jim reflected. “But by the grace of God, I’m back in it and back on a team that has a chance.”
The siblings engaged in conversation for a few minutes, capturing the moment with photos before returning to their respective teams.
“I love my brother. And I’d lay down my life for my brother. But I would not let him win a football game,” Jim stated in an interview prior to the game. “He wouldn’t want it that way. It feels cool and we’re ready to have at it.”
John Harbaugh shared his thoughts about the complexity of coaching against his brother, noting that at times their teams resemble one another closely.
“It’s all the things we love about each other and then it’s all the things we know about each other that we have to overcome in a game like this,” he commented. “He’s a great coach. He’s a great man. He’s a great leader, and he’s got a great football team, so that makes it complicated.”
On the same day, their parents, Jack and Jackie Harbaugh, celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary. While they were present for the previous two matchups between their sons, this year they opted to spend Thanksgiving week in Bradenton, Florida, at their daughter Joanie’s residence.
