Jim Harbaugh vs. Jim Schwartz: Both Need a Lesson in Class

The Detroit Lions fell to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.  In the process they fell from the ranks of the unbeaten.

The game was a hotly contested matchup, complete with big plays and late game lead changes. 

Unfortunately, this exciting game was overshadowed by the fracas that immediately followed the final whistle.

Everyone has undoubtedly seen the video by now.  Coach Jim Harbaugh and Jim Schwartz nearly came to blows during their post game handshake.

Or in this case, handshake and backslap. 

I compare their face off to scenes from National Geographic, where two alpha male silverbacks are circling each other, pounding their chests and showing off to protect their territory.  Nether one wants to be upstaged or give an inch.

Both coaches are definitely the "alpha males" of their teams.

I agree with Bob Costas, who on Sunday Night Football quipped that Schwartz and Harbaugh were "kindred spirits."  Both coaches are ultra-competative, fiery and neither care what anyone outside their organizations think of them.  Both have taken over perennial losers and changed the cultures of their teams.  As a result both teams are on the fast track to the playoffs.

But, as we saw on Sunday, what makes them similar also makes them dangerously volatile when facing one another.

What we saw on Sunday is an embarrassment for both sides.  Coaches are supposed to be above that.  They constantly tell their teams to keep their emotions in check.  Uncontrolled emotions lead to stupid penalties and lapses in judgment.

There is also a "protocol" for post game handshakes.  It is probably unwritten.  Most of these types of rules are.  Yes, Harbaugh's 49ers just won a big game in dramatic fashion.  He had a lot to be excited about.  So did his players. 

But as a coach you need to separate yourself from the players.  You need to maintain professionalism and respect for the other coach.  You need to wait until you are in the locker room before you let loose a profanity laced celebration.  

You are not supposed to upstage the other coach.  That is for players to do to each other

Harbaugh's song and dance was inexcusable and he should apologize.  He should talk to his old coach Mike Ditka and ask him what he thought of it.

I don't buy for a minute that Harbaugh was just really excited.  He was making a point and trying to rub the victory in Schwartz's face.

Do not think I am just talking about Harbaugh.  I have seen Schwartz's post game punch outs after wins.  I've laughed at them and thought it was refreshing to see a coach not afraid to show some emotion.  But in some ways isn't that upstaging the opposing coach too?

If I am going to be critical of Harbaugh, then Schwartz cannot come out unscathed.

Schwartz had no business following Harbaugh back to the locker room.  You have to be able to walk away at that point.  Be a bigger man.  Get revenge on the field, the next time the teams face off.  You know neither coach will forget or forgive despite what they say.

In the end, can either coach expect their teams to act any different?  Can they expect their teams to act professionally and turn the other cheek?  Ideally, yes they can.  This is the NFL, not high school football.  These athletes are professionals and the actions of their coaches should not determine how they behave.

However, these teams are where they are at, in the standings, because of who their coaches are.  That is a fact.  Without Harbaugh and Schwartz these teams would not have winning records or be on their way to the playoffs.  The teams have bought into each coach's message, and even taken on their personalities. 

For better or worse.

So next time a player has a lapse in judgment, or is flagged for a retaliation penalty, or is flagged for excessive celebration.  I hope the camera pans to their coaches face and I hope both Schwartz and Harbaugh have their lips zipped tight.

As I have learned from being a father.  Do as I say, not as I do, never works.