Jim Harbaugh described the upcoming Super Bowl as a double-edge sword when it comes to facing his brother John Harbaugh in two weeks. This will be the first time in NFL history where the opposing coaches are brothers.
“Well, I think [facing my brother] is a blessing and a curse," said Harbaugh. "A blessing because that is my brother’s team. And also personally I played for the Ravens. Great respect for their organization. Worked with [Ravens general manager] Ozzie Newsome and [former Ravens owner] Art Modell, his love and passion for the National Football League."
Harbaugh said he is already aware of the situation and prefers everything to not be about the coaches, but the players on the field. He isn't seeking the attention for the Harbaugh family to be the main story of the Super Bowl.
"The curse part [of facing my brother] would be that the talk of two brothers playing in the Super Bowl and what that takes away from the players that are in the game," said Harbaugh. "Every moment that you’re talking about myself or [Ravens head coach] John [Harbaugh], that’s less time that the players are going to be talked about. And I just feel like the saying that ‘victory knows no orphans,’ or ‘victory has a thousand fathers’ I think is true. The [fighters] that are playing in the game, the players, they’re the ones that have the most to do with it. And they’re the ones we should be talking about.”
Harbaugh said he watched part of the AFC Championship game between the Ravens and Patriots during the flight back to California. He hasn't spoken with John Harbaugh outside of a few text messages. His brother's accomplishments in the NFL are something to be proud of, according to Harbaugh.
Even though Harbaugh will be facing his brother's team, he says it will be all business on the football field. There can't be any distractions ahead for the Super Bowl.
"The next game is the biggest game," said Harbaugh. "The opponent we’re playing is the opponent. We have to prepare. It doesn’t matter who the coach is, or what relationship you have with somebody on the opposite side. You’re trying to beat them. So, that’d be my approach."
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