Jim Harbaugh is back in the NFL, and the schedule-makers knew better than to let the third Harbaugh Bowl be played at any time other than prime time, Nick Shook of NFL.com reports.
But don't try to make this about Jim and John Harbaugh. The Chargers coach certainly wasn't interested in feeding the narrative when asked repeatedly about his meeting with his brother during Wednesday's media session.
"I'm sure he doesn't want to make it about him," Harbaugh said of his brother, the longtime coach of the Baltimore Ravens (7-4). "I don't want to make it about me. It is what it is. Big game, for sure. Two teams having at it."
Harbaugh last coached against his brother way back in the 2012 season when his San Francisco 49ers met John's Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII. Baltimore edged San Francisco, 34-31, winning its second Super Bowl in franchise history and sending Jim into the offseason as runner-up.
"At the time, that was tough," Harbaugh reflected. "After some time and reflection went by, it's my brother, it's my best friend. Really proud of him. Really happy for his success. It was earned."
Harbaugh had plenty of reason to believe he'd get another shot against his brother. His 49ers were a championship contender with a surprise star at quarterback in Colin Kaepernick. He'd be back on a sideline opposite of his brother before long, he thought.
Harbaugh never got that chance. His 49ers fell short of their mark in the following season, losing to the Seattle Seahawks in the 2013 NFC Championship Game. Seattle went on to blow out the favored Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII, and a year later, Harbaugh was out as coach of the 49ers after an 8-8 season.
"Walking off the field at that Super Bowl, it was like 'there will be another day.' And then there wasn't for many years," Harbaugh said. "It looked like I wouldn't have a chance for another day. But by the grace of God ... back in it. Back on a team that has a chance to do that. So I'm very thankful."
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