Harbaugh Reflects on Rivalry with Mike Tomlin
In a surprising turn of events, the Baltimore Ravens parted ways with their longtime head coach John Harbaugh this past January. Meanwhile, Mike Tomlin, who held the reins as the Pittsburgh Steelers head coach for 19 seasons, recently stepped down. Harbaugh, now leading the New York Giants, took a moment to share his thoughts on Tomlin, a familiar adversary from their fierce divisional matchups.
A Deep Respect for a Worthy Rival
Harbaugh didn’t hold back his admiration for Tomlin, saying, "Nothing but respect and admiration for what he’s done. I feel honored to be a part of that."
Harbaugh praised Tomlin's consistency and leadership, emphasizing that the Steelers' identity was a reflection of Tomlin’s influence. "The Pittsburgh Steelers aren’t the Pittsburgh Steelers because of their location or colors.
It’s about the personality of the people running the program, and Mike has been the face of that organization."
A Storied Rivalry
From 2008 through the end of the 2025 season, Harbaugh and Tomlin clashed 44 times, with the Steelers edging out a 23-17 advantage in regular-season meetings. Their playoff encounters were evenly split, each securing two victories. This rivalry wasn’t just about wins and losses; it was a testament to the strategic battles and mutual respect between two coaching titans.
Tomlin’s Next Chapter
While Harbaugh has embarked on a new journey with the Giants, Tomlin’s future remains a topic of speculation. Despite not pursuing coaching opportunities this offseason, insiders suggest Tomlin might be stepping away from full-time coaching.
Yet, Harbaugh’s admiration persists, "That team reflects Mike Tomlin... I got to be across from him for 18 years in some heated battles.
You always knew what you were gonna get because it was a Mike Tomlin-coached football team, and I admire that very much."
As Tomlin takes a break, there’s chatter about potential opportunities, with some eyes on the Philadelphia Eagles possibly seeking a new head coach in 2027. Whether Tomlin decides to return or not, his legacy in Pittsburgh and his impact on rivals like Harbaugh is undeniable.