Jackie Harbaugh Discusses Son John Harbaugh's Move to Coach the New York Giants

Jackie Harbaugh, mother of new Giants coach John Harbaugh as well as Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh, spoke with the New York Post in a Mother's Day interview. She recounted the moment her son told her he wanted to try coaching after graduating from Miami University in Ohio with a political science degree. Harbaugh said she had expected he might attend law school.

During a lunch conversation while her husband Jack was not present, John Harbaugh told her he wanted to pursue coaching first. She responded that he could always attend law school later if he chose. She said she believed he would have made a good lawyer because of his knowledge of laws and the Constitution, his ability to listen, and his logical thinking.

His daughter Alison is now attending law school at Loyola Chicago. Harbaugh added that she thought her son could have been a good president because he possesses common sense. She said all three of her children have good common sense.

She described how John Harbaugh absorbed lessons from family experiences growing up, observing relationships, ups and downs, and how people treat one another. He approached life one day at a time and made plans for his career path, including when he became head coach of the Ravens. After 18 years with the Ravens, he put his full effort into the role.

Harbaugh said he is thoughtful, treats people with respect from top to bottom of an organization, and always treats players fairly. She described additional qualities including that he is caring, virtuous, honest, and guided by his faith. He takes the high road in difficult situations, avoids blaming others, and does not engage in negative behavior toward players or organizations.

Harbaugh said her son is as motivated as he has ever been for the Giants position. She said he has always approached jobs by committing fully and doing the best with what he has at any point. The family philosophy emphasizes gratitude, humility, and performing one day at a time.

She referenced an old saying by Cicero that to be grateful is the greatest virtue because all other virtues come from gratefulness. Harbaugh said she sees this quality in John, Jim, and Joani, who do not brag about their actions. Regarding the move to New York, she said John Harbaugh will approach the city by looking at what he sees and experiences directly.

He will view New York positively and embrace its historical culture and offerings rather than being scared by it or swayed by others' opinions. She compared coaching to teaching, noting that one must take people as they are when first meeting them without judging based on previous accounts.