For the better part of a decade, Bill Belichick has been the consensus pick as the NFL’s best coach. But that title might have been passed on, at least according to John Harbaugh.
Harbaugh, who took home his first Super Bowl title with the Ravens’ 34-31 win over the 49ers on Sunday, isn’t putting himself on that pedestal, though. Instead, he’s talking up his younger brother, Jim.
“There’s no better coach in the National Football League, as far as I’m concerned, than Jim Harbaugh,” John Harbaugh said after winning Super Bowl XLVII on Sunday night.
The elder Harbaugh followed up those comments during his news conference on Monday morning, too, reaffirming the lofty belief in his brother.
“Jim, he’s the best coach in football,” Harbaugh added. “He’s best coach in the National Football League. His record proves it.”
Since taking over as the 49ers’ head coach just last season, Jim Harbaugh has put together an unprecedented run in San Francisco. The 49ers have gone 27-9-1, including postseason play, and have now made it to two NFC championship games and one Super Bowl in that time.
Those numbers definitely deserve some high praise and accolades even, but to say that his two-year span is more accomplished than Belichick’s over the past 13 seasons just seems crazy. Belichick has led the Patriots to five Super Bowl appearances in that time and won three Lombardi Trophies, while putting together one of the most steadfast dynasties in NFL history.
John Harbaugh’s glowing words were likely just a show a recognition and respect for his younger brother and all that he’s accomplished even after such a crushing defeat. While Jim might in fact be on his way to usurping that honor, when considering the best coach in the NFL that road still leads through New England.
It was a nice gesture from brother to brother, but maybe a bit too bold for reality.
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