There was no hug rejection this time at the end of the HarBowl.
John Harbaugh beat younger brother Jim Harbaugh for the third time, as the Ravens upended the Chargers, 30-23, on "Monday Night Football" after storming back from a 10-point early deficit.
But after a game that didn't have the same stakes as their last meeting in Super Bowl XLVII 12 years ago, there was a different feeling.
This wasn't an ending. It was the beginning of what will likely be a brotherly AFC battle for years to come between two teams squarely among the best in their conference. Heck, they could even have a rematch in this year's playoffs.
As the two met at midfield, John told his brother, "You're a great coach and you have a great team. And I love you."
Jim responded, "I love you, too. Congratulations."
And that was that … for now. John still retains bragging rights and a 3-0 head-to-head record until the next time they meet.
"It's just something that is just an incredible thing. It does mean a lot, and I'm so proud of him," John said. "It's an amazing thing to look back to where we are from where we came. We had different paths. We grew up in the same room and have always lived our life side by side.
"But that's not what the game is about. The game really is about the players, and the players are always going to win the game or lose the game or whatever."
Ravens players returned the love for their head coach. They said the brotherly battle wasn't a big talking point inside their classrooms or locker room this week (except when talking to the media), but they knew it meant something more.
"It means a lot," quarterback Lamar Jackson said. "I feel like, for me, being a big brother, it's like, 'I can't lose to my little brother.' That's what I believe, going into that game, [John Harbaugh] was thinking a lot."
"We know deep down [that] 'Harbs' wants this win. It means a little more than the other ones," safety Kyle Hamilton added. "It's a blessing to be in this game and be able to say, 'I won this game' and win that for 'Harbs.'"
Linebacker Malik Harrison perhaps said it most succinctly. "It's always good to beat up on a little brother," he said with a smile.
It's another tough loss for Jim to handle, but he repeatedly told the Chargers media that the Ravens simple "played better football tonight."
Asked about whether his brother was extra aggressive in going for it three times on fourth down, including from his own 16-yard line, Jim only said he thought Baltimore did a great job in third- and fourth-down situations.
"It's just cool to be at this level, to be at the highest level in these competitive environments," Jim said.
Father Jack, mother Jackie, sister Joani, and her family were in Florida watching the game and celebrating the Harbaugh parents' 63rd wedding anniversary. They'll remain there for Thanksgiving while the HarBros prepare for their next opponents on short rest.
The brothers wished their parents a happy anniversary and even texted some back and forth before Monday night's game. Now, it's until next time in HarBros IV – potentially with higher stakes with even more nervous parents.
"I know they're 100% happy, and they're 100% disappointed at the same time," John said of his parents. "So, if you can imagine that, that's how they feel right now."
