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Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Sport
Kristen Wong

Jim Harbaugh’s Parents Believe Their Superstitious Seat Switch Helped Michigan Defeat Alabama

In 2024, Jim Harbaugh could win the national championship with the Michigan Wolverines, John Harbaugh could win the Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens, and Jack and Jackie Harbaugh could win... the award for the most wholesome interview of the year.

Following Michigan’s 27–20 victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide in the Rose Bowl, reporter Brad Galli interviewed Jim Harbaugh’s parents, Jack and Jackie. 

Not only did the elder Harbaughs win the hearts of college football fans across the nation, but they also dropped a superstitious tidbit on how they may have helped their son clinch the CFP semifinal win.

Jack Harbaugh said of the end of Michigan-Bama, “The biggest play of the game was right before the long drive. Jackie decided that we should switch seats. I moved to her seat, she moved to mine, and this is the result that we get.”

Jack and Jackie Harbaugh then shared a laugh with each other and agreed to do the same seat switch when Michigan plays in the National Championship next Monday.

Will a bit of musical chairs help J.J. McCarthy and the Wolverines top the high-flying Washington Huskies next week? Maybe, maybe not. 

Either way, Jim Harbaugh’s parents delivered the ultimate heartwarming moment after Michigan's Rose Bowl win. Jackie Harbaugh rivaled the NFL’s Mama Kelce for the biggest “proud mom” moment while Jack Harbaugh imparted an enthusiastic family saying: “Who’s got it better than us? Nobody!”

With both sons on the cusp of winning two of American sports’ most prestigious trophies, the Harbaughs may truly have it better than anybody else. 

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