Jim Harbaugh Has Blunt Mindset Heading Into Game Against His Brother
11/21/2024 01:48 PM
Jim Harbaugh will finally get another chance to coach against John Harbaugh.
The brotherly matchup will dominate the conversation before Jim's Los Angeles Chargers play John's Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football. It's the first time the siblings will face each other since Baltimore defeated Jim's San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII.
When discussing the upcoming encounter on Wednesday, Jim tried to divert the focus away from the Harbaugh siblings and onto their squads.
"It's about the two teams. It's about those who are coaching and those who are playing," Harbaugh told reporters (h/t NFL.com). I'm sure he doesn't want to make it about him. I don't want to make it about me. It is what it is. Big game, for sure. Two teams having at it."
In 2013, John got the last laugh over his younger brother when the Ravens notched a 34-31 victory over the 49ers in New Orleans. Each sibling will try to return to Caesars Superdome and represent the AFC in the Super Bowl 12 years later.
Jim admitted it was "tough" falling short to his sibling on the grand stage, but he was ultimately glad John captured the Lombardi Trophy.
"After some time and reflection went by, it's my brother," Jim said. "It's my best friend. Really proud of him. Really happy for his success. It was earned."
Back from college after steering Michigan to a national title, Jim has led the Chargers to a 7-3 record behind the NFL's top-ranked scoring defense. Meanwhile, the Ravens possess the AFC's second wild-card spot at 7-4 following a tough loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
There's far more than bragging rights at stake Monday night. The winner will fortify its placement in the playoff standings while keeping pace in a division pursuit.
However, Jim wouldn't let the Week 12 matchup jeopardize their close relationship.
"Nobody can have a better brother," Jim said. "I may be biased in that way. I love my brother ... He's just a great example-setter. He's a great son. He's a great husband. He's a great father and a great brother."
Related: Jim Harbaugh Has Warning For Chargers Players Amid Success
