Jim Harbaugh Surprised by Brother John on Michigan Sideline During CFP Title Game

Jim Harbaugh was locked in as his Michigan Wolverines looked to add to their lead over the Washington Huskies during the first half of the College Football Playoff national championship, so much so that he didn’t see a special visitor make his way toward him along the sideline.

During the second quarter of Monday’s title game, Harbaugh was startled by his own brother, John, coach of the Baltimore Ravens, who paid him a visit midway through the game. 

While Jim was entrenched in his coaching battle with Washington’s Kalen DeBoer, standing with his hands on his knees and wearing a headset, John approached from behind and gave him a pat on the back.

The brothers then shared an embrace as John wished his younger sibling luck in the championship bout.

John made the trip out to see Jim and Michigan ????

(via @SportsCenter)pic.twitter.com/qTbL4EbOMm

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) January 9, 2024

It appeared to take Jim a moment to realize who it was that disrupted his coaching zen, though he seemed plenty pleased to see his brother standing next to him. 

John remained on the Michigan sideline as he cheered his brother on in one of the biggest games of his career. The broadcast also showcased the Harbaugh brothers’ parents, who were watching from the stands at NRG Stadium in Houston, Tex.