It’s no secret that Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh and longtime Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh are brothers. Football runs in the family—both were raised by their father, Jack Harbaugh, a former college coach who made sure his sons grew up immersed in the game. Jack’s influence helped Jim and John take their coaching careers to the top level in the NFL, but now it’s Jim’s return to the league that’s inadvertently casting a shadow over his brother.
After leading Michigan to a College Football Championship, Jim was hired by the Chargers in the offseason and has wasted no time making his mark. In just two games, he’s turned a team that had been stuck in mediocrity into an early-season powerhouse, starting the year 2-0. The same can’t be said for John and the Ravens, who are sitting at 0-2 and already look like a team on the brink.
Jim’s immediate success with the Chargers has not only turned heads across the league but has also placed an unintentional spotlight on John’s shortcomings. As the Ravens struggle through their winless start, the contrast between the two brothers’ fortunes has only intensified the pressure on John, whose job could be in jeopardy if Baltimore can’t right the ship soon.
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh is unintentionally putting his brother John on the hot seat
When it comes to coaching style, the Harbaugh brothers couldn’t be more different. While John is more reserved, often keeping his emotions in check on the sidelines, Jim is all-in, all the time. He’s constantly fired up, whether it’s hyping his players after a big stop or celebrating with them as if he’s still one of the guys. Jim’s energy is infectious, and it’s clear that his players, especially quarterback Justin Herbert, have bought into that.
Justin Herbert was prepared for the Jim Harbaugh hype up this time around 😂
— NFL Retweet (@NFLRT) September 15, 2024
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Meanwhile, on the Ravens’ sideline, there’s been more frustration than fire, with visible tension between John and quarterback Lamar Jackson.
It’s that difference in team dynamics that’s becoming hard to ignore. Jim has already won over his locker room with his passion and enthusiasm, while John’s Ravens seem to be losing faith. The frustration boiled over in Week 2, when the Ravens, leading by 10 in the fourth quarter, collapsed and lost 26-23 to the Raiders. The very week before, the Chargers dismantled the same Raiders team in a comfortable 22-10 victory, only adding to the growing scrutiny around John’s performance.
Both Harbaughs have built their teams around tough defenses and strong running games. The difference? One is executing that vision to perfection, while the other is struggling to even get out of the gate. Jim’s Chargers have leaned on that physical style to cruise to 2-0, while John’s Ravens have been stuck playing from behind or blowing double-digit leads.
Adding salt to the wound, former Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins looks rejuvenated in Jim’s offense, already making waves in the first two games with the Chargers. It’s ironic—Jim’s return to the NFL, coupled with his immediate success, has thrown John’s struggles into sharp relief. The Ravens were supposed to be Super Bowl contenders, but they’re starting to look more like a team fighting to stay relevant.
Fans are growing restless. They’ve seen this story play out too many times—poor game management, costly penalties, and late-game collapses. It all comes back to the head coach. If John Harbaugh can’t get things back on track soon, Jim’s unexpected return to the NFL might just end up being the spark that pushes his brother out of Baltimore.