John Harbaugh and Mike Tomlin were fierce rivals in the AFC North for 18 years, each leading their respective teams with a blend of grit and strategy that made their matchups must-watch events. After the 2025 season, both coaches moved on from their long-time posts, with Tomlin stepping down from the Pittsburgh Steelers and Harbaugh being let go by the Baltimore Ravens before taking the helm of the New York Giants.
In a recent appearance on “Pardon My Take,” Harbaugh opened up about his tenure in Baltimore and his new journey in New York. Naturally, the conversation turned to his long-time counterpart, Tomlin, and whether the two had kept in touch since Tomlin's departure.
“I guess that’s the way it went. We haven’t spoken since.
I guess we’re dead to each other now, I don’t know,” Harbaugh quipped. “I did text him, but I haven’t gotten a text back.
I don’t know, maybe he lost my number at that point.”
Despite the radio silence, Harbaugh expressed deep respect for Tomlin, reflecting on nearly two decades of competitive battles with admiration.
“It was unbelievable, amazing. Like I said afterwards, so much respect for Mike,” Harbaugh shared.
“You play the Steelers, you were playing a Mike Tomlin-coached team. It was always the same.
Always the same thing, same problem. Well-coached team that knew how to win.”
Harbaugh remains optimistic about reconnecting with Tomlin, suggesting that a casual meetup might be in the cards. “I’m sure we’ll get a beer and have a chance to talk it out one of these days.
It’s history now. Onto the next thing.”
Both coaches have left indelible marks on their franchises, each hoisting the Lombardi Trophy during their tenures-Tomlin with a victory in Super Bowl XLIII and Harbaugh leading the Ravens to triumph in Super Bowl XLVII. Their legacy in the NFL is secure, but the next chapter for both promises to be just as intriguing.