Miah Harbaugh became well-known as the first wife of Jim Harbaugh, the famous American football coach. Their relationship attracted a lot of attention, not just because of Jim’s successful career but also because of their personal story, from their early romance to their eventual split. Although they divorced in 2006, many people are curious about why their marriage ended, particularly considering they were regarded as one of the NFL’s power couples at the time.
Let’s look closer at Miah’s life, her marriage to Jim, and what followed.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Miah Lee Burke Harbaugh |
| Date of Birth | August 25, 1966 |
| Age | 58 years old (as of 2024) |
| Birthplace | New Jersey, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | University of Michigan (Paralegal Studies) |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Husband | Jim Harbaugh |
| Children | 3 (Jay, James, Grace) |
| Net Worth | Approximately $2 million |
| Known For | Being Jim Harbaugh’s first wife |
| Current Life | Lives a private life away from the media |
Miah Early Life
Miah Harbaugh, originally named Miah Lee Burke, was born on August 25, 1966, in New Jersey. She grew up in New Jersey and later attended the University of Michigan, where she studied paralegal studies. Before she met Jim Harbaugh, she worked as a waitress while juggling her job and school. Not much is known about her family or childhood, which adds to the mystery of her life outside her marriage.
How Did Miah Meet Jim Harbaugh?
Miah Harbaugh first met Jim Harbaugh in the early 1990s when he started making a name for himself in the NFL. Their initial encounter took place during a golf tournament in Orlando, where Miah was visiting a friend who was sick. After spending time at the hospital, she decided to go out for some fun and ended up at a nearby club. It was there that Jim noticed her and introduced himself.
The next day, they went on a lunch date, which helped spark their connection. They quickly discovered their shared love for sports and common interests, leading to a relationship that would soon put them in the public eye. Despite facing challenges, including long-distance dating, their bond grew stronger, eventually culminating in marriage.
Miah and Jim Harbaugh’s Marriage
After dating for about five years, Miah and Jim got married on February 10, 1996, at the Hilton Waikoloa Village in Hawaii. Their wedding was a small and private affair. Soon after, Miah moved into Jim’s home in Indianapolis. During their marriage, Miah was a strong supporter of Jim’s career and was often seen as his biggest cheerleader, especially in his early days as a professional football coach.
Miah and Jim Harbaugh’s Children
Jim and Miah Harbaugh have three kids: Jay, James, and Grace. Each one has found their path, showing both their parents’ influence and their unique talents.
Jay Harbaugh
Jay Harbaugh, born on June 14, 1989, is the eldest of three siblings. He attended Oregon State University and has followed in his father’s footsteps by pursuing a career in football coaching. Currently, he serves as the special teams coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL. In October 2018, Jay made Miah and Jim grandparents when he welcomed his first child, sharing the joyous news with his followers on social media.
James Harbaugh
Photo: Jay Harbaugh/Instagram
James Harbaugh Jr., born on September 4, 1996, is the middle child. He graduated from the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre & Dance with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Directing. James made headlines when he came out as gay to his father during the 2016 presidential election. He expressed his nervousness about revealing this part of himself, but Jim responded with love and support, showing their strong father-son bond.
Grace Harbaugh
Image Credit: Grace Harbaugh/Instagram
Grace Harbaugh, born on June 27, 2000, is the youngest child. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in History of Art and was an accomplished water polo player during her college years. Grace has also been supportive of her father’s career and has spoken out in defense of him during challenging times.
After Jim and Miah’s divorce in 2006, Miah took primary custody of their children and moved with them to Coronado, California. Despite their separation, both parents have remained committed to co-parenting their children effectively.
Miah and Jim Harbaugh’s Divorce
After ten years of marriage, Miah and Jim’s relationship came to an end in 2006. The exact reasons for their divorce remain somewhat vague, but it’s widely believed that Jim’s rigorous coaching schedule put a strain on their relationship. Despite the breakup, the couple managed to keep things civil, focusing on co-parenting their children.
Miah moved to Coronado, California, with the kids, while Jim remained immersed in his coaching career. Their amicable approach to co-parenting has allowed them to maintain a healthy family dynamic, even after going their separate ways.
Where is Miah Harbaugh Now?
After her divorce, Miah chose to live a quieter life away from the media. Not much is known about her career since the split, but she received a significant financial settlement, and her net worth is estimated to be around $2 million. Miah prefers to keep her current activities private, indicating she wants to stay out of the spotlight, unlike her ex-husband Jim Harbaugh, who remains a well-known figure in sports.
Where is Jim Harbaugh Now?
Jim Harbaugh married Sarah Feuerborn in January 2008 after dating for two years. Their relationship began shortly after Jim’s divorce from Miah Harbaugh. They met in a parking lot while Sarah was picking up takeout, and after some persistence from Jim, they started dating. Together, they have four children: daughters Katherine and Addison, and sons John and Jack. This brings Jim’s total number of children to seven, including three from his first marriage—Jay, James, and Grace.
Jim is currently the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines football team, where he has built a strong program and achieved significant success. He continues to live in the Ann Arbor area, remaining a prominent figure in college football known for his intense coaching style and dedication to the sport.
