Mike Tomlin, John Harbaugh reminisce about early coaching days before Steelers-Ravens game

They say the coaching world is a fraternity. Perhaps no situation demonstrates that better than the pre-game interaction between Mike Tomlin and John Harbaugh prior to Sunday’s Steelers-Ravens rivalry game.

NFL Films captured the two longtime head coaches chatting prior to the Week 5 showdown. It provides some pretty good insight into the respect the two have for each other, despite being part of one of the league’s most heated rivalries.

Just by watching the short video, you can tell there’s a mutual respect and friendship between Tomlin and Harbaugh. It’s not just because the Steelers and Ravens meet twice per year, either. Tomlin has been in charge of Pittsburgh since 2007 while Harbaugh has been the head coach in Baltimore since 2008.

The’ve shared a lot of great battles over the years:

.@Ravens vs @Steelers is still in good hands with these two 🤝 @InsideTheNFL pic.twitter.com/1XPuigeMm1

— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) October 9, 2023

That’s a pretty unique behind-the-scenes look at the interaction between two iconic NFL coaches. It also shows that, while both guys want to win, they also have a more relatable side.

Tomlin and the Steelers got the better of Harbaugh and the Ravens this time. Pittsburgh posted a 17-10 victory on Sunday. The two teams go head-to-head again in the season finale on Sunday, Jan. 7.

Mike Tomlin talks Steelers-Ravens rivalry

Sometimes, it can be difficult to stress the important of a rivalry game in the NFL. But after the Steelers’ victory over the Ravens on Sunday, Tomlin talked about the significance of the game.

“Some of those guys have been in significant matchups before. So, if they went to Alabama or Auburn, I say it’s like the Iron Bowl,” Tomlin said. “You know what I mean? You’re just trying to capture the essence of it for the guys. And, most of the guys that went to universities have been part of some significant rivalries.

“That’s a frame of reference. But, make no mistake about it, you gotta be a part of it to understand it. I guarantee those guys got a better understanding as we sit here today.”

The Steelers trailed 10-0 in the first half and overcame a 10-3 deficit in the fourth quarter to get the win. The game-changing play came on a 41-yard touchdown pass from Kenny Pickett to George Pickens, giving the Steelers a 14-10 lead with 1:17 to play.

Baltimore then fumbled on their next possession and Chris Boswell tacked on a 42-yard field goal to give the Steelers a touchdown advantage with under a minute to play.

Both Pittsburgh and Baltimore are 3-2 this season.