Jim Harbaugh highlights special father-son dynamics across football

Jim Harbaugh loves seeing fathers and sons connect through football. During minicamp, the Los Angeles Chargers head coach spoke to reporters this past week and was asked about having senior defensive analyst Rick Minter and his son, defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, on his coaching staff.

“That’s really near and dear and close to my heart,” Harbaugh said. “I love it. I love Rick Minter. He’s seen a lot of footballs kicked off. Love talking football with Rick, love the interaction between him and Jesse. My dad and myself, it’s how’d you get so lucky?

“Watching Derwin James with his son yesterday after practice just raises the small hairs on my arm. What a great dad, I mean just a great dad. And the other dads or moms or sister or uncle that come to practice, I just love that dynamic. So many guys have been coached by their dad whether it be on the field, off the field, life and they know them. They know them so well, and I encourage them, coach them. Continue, don’t stop now just because they’re professional football players.”

Harbaugh added: “There’s other dynamics too. The dad that’ really pushed, which a dad should do. Who’s going to push you if it’s not going to be your dad or your mom or grandparent, somebody close to you that’s really pushed them hard? Have your dad come watch you and let him see it now. You’re an incredible player. They say it’s all about relationships and that’s think of your own lives. I see that on our team and get a huge thrill from it.”

Jim Harbaugh and John Harbaugh will square off this season

Speaking of family, Jim Harbaugh’s brother, John Harbaugh, is looking forward to the Chargers vs. Baltimore Ravens game in Week 12 of the 2024 season. The Ravens head coach talked about the upcoming matchup with reporters since the two have been competing against each other all of their lives.

“I’m looking forward to it, you know, I guess. I mean, how excited was I to face off against him in the driveway, when we were playing you know, 1-on-1 hockey, or 1-on-1 basketball, or wrestling? Or when my dad said, ‘Put the gloves on and go into the basement if you want to fight each other all of the time,’ so I guess it was kind of exciting,” John Harbaugh said. “Then again, you know, it wasn’t that great. Especially when you got bigger. It got more and more challenging.

“So I think — that day will come when it comes, so we’re not really thinking about it too much. But when it comes, it’ll be cool. It’ll be historic.”