Jim Harbaugh wants to be there for his now-unemployed brother John.
But the Chargers coach is adamant about one thing — whatever John’s next steps are, they better not be in the AFC.
Jim, speaking to reporters Wednesday, one day after the Ravens fired his brother after 18 years at the helm in Baltimore, simply said John is “the best.”
Former Ravens head coach John Harbaugh (left) and Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh meet following Baltimore’s win at SoFi Stadium on Nov. 25, 2024 in Inglewood, Calif. Getty Images
“John Harbaugh’s the best coach I know, best coach I’ve ever seen,” Jim said, according to ESPN. “And as I told him, whatever team he goes to is going to be formidable and I just hope it’s in the NFC.”
John’s ouster now changes the complexion of the coaching carousel, as he becomes the hottest coaching candidate available. A one-time Super Bowl winner (which, coincidentally enough, came against Jim’s then-49ers in Super Bowl 2013), John posted a 180-113 record with six AFC North Division crowns. This season ended in an 8-9 disappointment that came one win — thanks to a missed last-second field goal in Week 18 — shy of making the playoffs.
Jim remained confident that his brother would be gainfully employed again.
“He’ll be a head coach next year,” Jim Harbaugh said Wednesday. “We’ll be playing against him in some form or fashion.”
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport speculated on Wednesday that the Raiders may be less appealing to John because he would have to face his brother twice. John is unbeaten in three games against Jim.
One NFC team that is interested in John’s services is the Giants, The Post’s Paul Schwartz confirmed on Tuesday.
General manager Joe Schoen, though, has said the team plans to “cast a wide net” in its search to find a full-time replacement for Brian Daboll.
Among those the Giants are set to interview is former Packers and Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy, similarly to John Harbaugh, won a Super Bowl at the beginning of the last decade.
But the Giants won’t be the only team vying for Harbaugh’s services, as nine teams are already interested in the free agent, Fox Sports reported.
As for Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers, they’ll be taking on the Patriots on the road on Sunday at 8 p.m. Eastern, with quarterback Justin Herbert still looking for his first win in the playoffs.