At a Glance
- John Harbaugh is set to become the New York Giants head coach in January 2026, nine days after being fired by the Baltimore Ravens
- Jim Harbaugh currently coaches the Los Angeles Chargers after leaving the University of Michigan in 2024
- The brothers made history as the first siblings to both be NFL head coaches
- Why it matters: Their parallel coaching careers will create the first brother-versus-brother NFL coaching rivalry since their 2013 Super Bowl showdown
The Harbaugh brothers are writing a new chapter in NFL history. John Harbaugh is expected to take over as head coach of the New York Giants in January 2026, bringing both siblings back to the league at the same time.
From Firing to Hiring in Nine Days
John’s transition happened at lightning speed. The Ravens fired him in January 2026 after a playoff loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Within nine days, he was finalizing a deal with the Giants.
This marks John’s second NFL head coaching position. He led the Ravens from 2008 through the 2025 season, winning Super Bowl XLVII in 2013 and securing the AFC’s top seed in 2023.
Jim’s Journey Back to the Pros
Jim Harbaugh’s path took him through college football before returning to the NFL. After coaching the San Francisco 49ers from 2011-2014, he moved to the University of Michigan.
At Michigan, Jim achieved the ultimate college football success. The Wolverines won the NCAA championship in January 2024, defeating Washington in the title game. That victory completed a family championship collection – his father Jack won a national championship, and John won a Super Bowl.
Following the championship, Jim returned to the NFL as head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Historic Super Bowl Showdown
The brothers first made NFL history in 2013 when John’s Ravens faced Jim’s 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII. The matchup created a media frenzy, with reporters dubbing it the “Harbowl.”
John’s Ravens emerged victorious, but both brothers tried to deflect attention from their family connection.
“It’s not exactly Churchill and Roosevelt,” John told reporters. “We get it, [the story is] really cool, and it’s really exciting and all of that. But it’s really about the team.”
A Lifetime in Football
Football runs deep in the Harbaugh family. Their father Jack coached high school and college football, eventually becoming athletic director at Marquette University.
Jack and Jackie Harbaugh have been married over 60 years and maintain superstitions about their sons’ games. During Michigan’s 2024 Rose Bowl victory, Jackie suggested switching seats when the game got close – a move Jack credits with changing their luck.
“That is so classic of them,” John said afterward. “My mom – you put a microphone in front of her face, or you hang out with her for a couple of minutes, you don’t even have to ask her what she thinks, she’s going to tell you what she thinks.”
Supporting Through Scandal
The brothers’ bond strengthened during challenging times. When Michigan faced sign-stealing allegations in November 2023, John publicly defended his brother.
John told reporters that investigators had found nothing “of substance” against Jim after examining his phones and computers. When Jim received a three-game suspension, John hosted him at his Baltimore home to watch a game together.
From Sidelines to Headsets
The brothers have moved from occasional sideline visits to leading their own franchises. In 2015, John attended a Michigan game against Maryland, standing on the sideline with Jim.
“It’s an honor to be on the sideline with him,” Jim said after the game. “He gave good input during the game. It’s cool for our players.”
John downplayed his impact, joking that he probably distracted his brother instead of helping.
What Comes Next
With both brothers now holding NFL head coaching positions, the stage is set for potential regular-season matchups between their teams. The Giants and Chargers don’t play every season due to NFL scheduling, but playoff meetings remain possible.
Their sister Joani Crean described their relationship to the Associated Press: “Everybody in a family has a different personality. They care about the same things. Maybe they go about things differently, but I think that’s more of a perception than reality.”
She added: “You can’t fake things in a locker room, or a building, in sports and there’s nothing fake about them and that’s part of why they’re successful.”
Key Takeaways
- John Harbaugh’s nine-day transition from Ravens firing to Giants hiring sets an NFL record
- Both brothers now hold NFL head coaching positions for the first time since 2014
- Their 2013 Super Bowl meeting remains the only championship game coached by siblings
- The family’s football legacy spans three generations, starting with their father Jack’s coaching career
