John and Jim Harbaugh have shaken up football as coaches for the Baltimore Ravens and the University of Michigan. They’re one of the original sibling pairs in football.
This article looks into their childhood, closeness as siblings, their folks, and their NFL careers.
John and Jim HarbaughAbout John and Jim Harbaugh
John, currently the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, and Jim, who holds the same position as the Los Angeles Chargers, dominate the NFL.
Jim previously led the University of Michigan Wolverines before joining the Chargers, marking the first time siblings have held head coaching roles in the league simultaneously.
In 2023, both brothers had remarkable seasons. Jim guided Michigan to a championship win on January 8, 2024, while John led the Ravens to the top of the AFC North.
In January 2024, Jim returned to the NFL as the Chargers’ coach.
Although they’re coaching in the same league again, John and Jim have a football legacy that spans decades. Jim previously coached the San Francisco 49ers, who lost to John’s Ravens in the 2013 Super Bowl.
After his NFL stint, Jim joined Michigan, but the brothers remained supportive. Before Michigan’s championship game, John confirmed his plans to attend and support his brother in Houston, Texas.
According to Joani Crean, John and Jim’s sister, they may have different personalities but share the same caring nature. She emphasized that their success stems from their genuine approach.
From their upbringing in a football-centric family to their unwavering support for each other’s teams, the bond between John and Jim Harbaugh is truly special.
The Harbaugh Brothers Were Born in Ohio
Jackie and Jack, the siblings’ parents, welcomed their first son, John, on September 23, 1962, followed by Jim on December 23, 1963. They also have a younger sister, Joani, born in 1968.
The boys were born in Toledo, Ohio, where their father coached a high school football team.
Growing up in a football-oriented family, Jack later coached college football at Western Michigan University and then at Western Kentucky University.
After retiring from coaching, Jack became the athletic director at Marquette University in 2002, but his sons kept him involved in the game through their teams.
Despite retirement, Jack and Jackie wholeheartedly support their sons, whether on the sidelines or from home.
During their first head-to-head game in November 2011, Jackie hoped for a tie because she couldn’t bear to see either son lose.
Jack mentioned that they were superstitious. As Michigan faced difficulties securing the win towards the end of the game, Jackie suggested switching seats to potentially change the team’s luck. Surprisingly, it worked.
John’s Career in NFL
John started his NFL career as an assistant coach for the Philadelphia Eagles in 1998. In 2007, he advanced to the role of defensive backs coach.
However, just a year later, he made a surprising move to become the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens.
This decision raised eyebrows since John had no prior head coaching experience in the NFL, nor had he served as an offensive or defensive coordinator.
Despite the initial skepticism, he has remained in the position ever since.
He achieved a Super Bowl victory with the team in 2013 and most recently guided the Ravens to the top seed in the AFC during the 2023 NFL season.
Jim’s Education and Career
Jim’s career has been more dynamic than John’s, starting as a quarterback for Michigan in 1982. He earned the title of Big Ten Player of the Year after his senior year in 1986.
After college, Jim played in the NFL for 14 years, suiting up for various teams like the Chicago Bears and the Ravens.
Upon retiring as a player, he transitioned to coaching college football, working as an assistant before taking on the role of head coach at Stanford University in 2007.
He led the team for three years before joining the 49ers in 2010.
In 2014, Jim made headlines by becoming the first NFL coach to switch to a college team. He left the 49ers amidst rumored power struggles and became the head coach at Michigan for the 2015 season.
In January 2024, Michigan secured the NCAA championship, a milestone that Jim humorously remarked finally earned him a spot at the “big person’s table” in his family.
John joined in the celebration, embracing Jim on the field and congratulating him in a video shared by the NFL.
Following this victory, it was announced that Jim would depart from the NCAA to lead the Chargers in their upcoming seasons.
John and Jim Harbaugh faced each other in the Super Bowl
Before the Kelce brothers, the Harbaugh brothers took the spotlight. They became the first nationally recognized siblings when their teams faced off in the 2013 Super Bowl.
The matchup, dubbed the “Harbowl,” drew media attention to the brothers.
Despite their efforts to downplay it and keep the focus on their teams, the spotlight remained on their unique sibling rivalry.
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