John Harbaugh reacts to brother Jim being named Chargers coach: 'Excited for him'

It’s been almost 11 years since Jim Harbaugh and John Harbaugh faced each other on the football field. That, of course, came in Super Bowl XLVII in 2013 as John’s Baltimore Ravens got the better of Jim’s San Francisco 49ers.

Next season, they’ll square off once again. The Los Angeles Chargers are on the Ravens’ schedule, meaning John Harbaugh will go against Jim Harbaugh’s new team after leaving Michigan to replace Brandon Staley.

When meeting with reporters Thursday in preparation for Sunday’s AFC Championship, John was a proud brother. However, he knows what’s coming during the 2024 season.

“We play them next year.”

Harbs on his brother Jim, accepting the HC position with the Los Angeles Chargers: pic.twitter.com/EkVSv6y64G

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 25, 2024

“My thoughts are, we play them next year,” he said with a smile. “We’re looking forward to all of it. I’m just very happy for him. Proud of him, excited for him, excited for his family. … I’ll say this, the Chargers just got themselves one great coach.”

John Harbaugh also recalled something his parents told him after Jim called them. It sure sounds like his family is ready to get to California, where Jim last coached with the 49ers in 2014.

“My mom and dad told me that he called back in the evening and he found out that all of his kids, starting with Addie and Katie, had their bags packed already,” John Harbaugh said. “They were ready to go. So they’re excited, too. It’s gonna be great. Well-deserved.”

The Harbaugh brothers have a close bond, and that was on display at the national championship. John and the rest of the Ravens staff was planning to be at NRG Stadium for the game as Michigan took on Washington, but the flight got delayed due to the bad weather in the area. He didn’t arrive until the game was well underway, and he surprised Jim on the sideline — a moment captured by ESPN cameras.

Now, Jim Harbaugh is heading back to the NFL. He spent four seasons in the league with the 49ers, amassing a 44-19-1 record and making three NFC Championships during that time. By taking over the Chargers, he’s also heading back to a team he played for while the franchise was in San Diego.

It marked the third consecutive offseason Harbaugh entertained an NFL return. In 2021, the Minnesota Vikings came calling before hiring Kevin O’Connell, and he spoke with the Denver Broncos last year prior to their decision to hire Sean Payton. Things seemed different this time around, though, as Harbaugh hired agent Don Yee to represent him.