Jim Harbaugh vs Jim Schwartz: Why No One Won in Fight Between NFL Coaches

Players in the NFL and throughout sports tend to get into fights from time to time, especially in physical sports like hockey and football. Players are going at it all game, and sometimes things are taken beyond the scope of the game, and the gloves are off.

While some may not like it, it's understood that feuds inevitably flare up from time to time, and most are usually dismissed as just that: actions in a physical game taken out of control, and we move on. 

However, when head coaches are involved in a fight, they is subject to a completely different level of judgment. These men are paid to be leaders and to funnel their emotions in ways to help their team. NO matter who is at fault, both coaches are going to come off as unprofessional. 

When you look at this particular incident between Harbaugh and Schwartz in detail, it is easier to understand why Schwartz was so upset with Jim Harbaugh. After the game, the 49ers coach was so excited over his team's victory that he gave Schwartz a hard, "atta-boy" handshake, rather than a professional, respectful handshake. 

That alone makes Harbaugh look unprofessional and childish. Every week, half the coaches in the NFL win. Harbaugh seems to be the only one who treats a single win like his team won the Super Bowl. Everyone loves enthusiasm, but at some point, you need to be a professional. 

Schwartz, filled with emotions of disgust and anger while trying to swallow his first loss of the season, didn't take kindly to the unprofessional handshake. He overreacted, darted for Harbaugh and gave him a quick shove before the two were separated by security. 

In this instance, Schwartz, who is often very animated after his victories, looks childish for taking something as minute as a handshake too far. For a team that is trying to earn the respect of the league and build a winning attitude, Schwarz's inability to look the other way just makes it harder for the Lions to get the winning image they are striving for. 

As you can see, at the end of the day, fights between coaches are just a PR nightmare and will just get yourself and your team painted with attributes that are going to do nothing but harm your image.