John Harbaugh Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Ravens HC John Harbaugh shares first thoughts on brother's NFL return

By Aaron Becker | Last updated Jan 26, 2024 3:10 PM ET

John Harbaugh has established himself as one of the best head coaches in the NFL since joining the Ravens in 2008. But he's about to have some more competition from a familiar face.

Jim Harbaugh, John's younger brother, signed a five-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers on Wednesday to become their new head coach, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Although the exact date is to be decided, the two are set to face each other next season and it's safe to say John Harbaugh is looking forward to it.

"My thoughts are we play them next year. So, we're looking forward to all of it," John Harbaugh told reporters. "I was very happy for him. I'm proud of him, excited for him. ... He's well deserved. And I'll say this, the Chargers just got themselves on great coach."

“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

Jim Harbaugh last coached in the NFL for the 49ers from 2011-14. He led San Francisco to 44-19-1 record during the span as well as an appearance in Super Bowl XLVII where his team fell to his brother's Ravens 34-31.

That won't happen again now that they are both coaching in the same conference, but it would come as no surprise if the two teams meet in the playoffs several times in the coming years.

For now, however, the only game John and Jim Harbaugh are focused on is Baltimore's AFC Championship matchup against the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.

"Not thinking about the game. That's a game we have in the future," John Harbaugh said. "They're actually coming here, so that's cool."

John Harbaugh on Jim taking the Chargers job and coming to Baltimore this weekend: pic.twitter.com/7BIGrROtWY
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 26, 2024

John Harbaugh attended the College Football National Championship game earlier this month to support his brother's former Michigan Wolverines team. Jim Harbaugh will now return the favor for the final time before the two become rivals once again in 2024.

Aaron Becker

Aaron Becker is a Pittsburgh-based sports journalist, primarily covering the NFL and college football. He previously worked for the Kansas City Chiefs (2021-22), Pittsburgh Steelers (2019-21) and University of Pittsburgh (2018-19). Becker has a B

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