Jim Harbaugh is a famous name in American football, known for his achievements as both a player and a coach. He is currently the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines and has a career that often puts him in the spotlight.
Behind his success is his wife, Sarah Harbaugh, who has been a strong support for him. They met in Las Vegas shortly after Jim’s divorce in 2006 and now have three children together. Sarah has been very supportive of Jim throughout his career, attending important games like the 2024 NCAA National Championship and the Super Bowl.
This article will explore who Sarah is, her background, their relationship, and her role in Jim’s life and career.
| Full Name | Sarah Feuerborn Harbaugh |
| Date of Birth | August 7, 1984 |
| Profession | Philanthropist, Entrepreneur |
| Spouse | Jim Harbaugh |
| Children | Four (Addison, Katherine, Jack, John) |
| Background | Grew up in a large family with six sisters and four brothers; one of eleven children. |
| Education | Bachelor’s Degree in Education |
| Notable Contributions | Active in charitable work, including support for educational initiatives and health programs. |
Who is Sarah Harbaugh?
Sarah Feuerborn Harbaugh was born on September 20, 1978, in Belton, Missouri. She grew up in a large family as one of eleven siblings. Her father, Merle Feuerborn, and mother, Alta Feuerborn, raised their children in Kansas City. Tragically, Sarah has experienced loss within her family; she revealed in an interview with Ann Arbor Family in 2021 that she lost two of her brothers to colon cancer. Sarah has maintained a relatively private life compared to her husband but has made a name for herself as a real estate agent. She has also dabbled in acting, appearing in several television shows and commercials.
How Jim Harbaugh and Sarah Met
Photo: Jim Harbaugh/X
Jim and Sarah Harbaugh met in 2006 at a P.F. Chang’s restaurant in Las Vegas. At that time, Jim was recently divorced and coaching at the University of San Diego. According to Jim, he saw Sarah getting takeout and approached her to ask if he could “meet her.” She responded, “Sure, you can meet me,” but Jim was initially skeptical about whether she would actually give him her real number.
He later recalled that he called her “multiple times—like nine times—before she returned my call.” Despite this, he felt a connection and described Sarah as “a winner all the way.” Their romance didn’t spark immediately; Sarah’s brother, Marty Feuerborn, noted that she wasn’t very receptive at first and that Jim had to “chase her and chase her.”
Jim’s persistence paid off, and after dating for about two years, they got married in January 2008.
Jim Harbaugh and Sarah Marriage and Children
Jim and Sarah Harbaugh were married in a private ceremony on January 5, 2008, marking the start of their life together as a married couple. They have built a loving family, welcoming four children: daughters Addison and Katherine, and sons Jack and John.
Their first daughter, Addison, also known as Addie, was born in 2008. She spent much of her early life in Michigan while Jim coached at the University of Michigan. Addison has embraced her father’s passion for sports, often participating in various athletic activities, which Jim proudly shares on social media.
Image Credit: Jim Harbaugh/Instagram
Katherine Harbaugh, born on December 17, 2010, is affectionately called Katie. While Jim and Sarah keep their children’s lives relatively private, Katherine has been spotted cheering from the sidelines at her father’s games. Jim occasionally shares heartfelt tributes to her on social media, highlighting their close bond.
Image Credit: Coach Harbaugh/X
Their first son, Jack Harbaugh, was born in 2012 and is named after his grandfather, the legendary college football coach Jack Harbaugh. Over the years, Jim has shared moments with Jack online, including fun outings like beach lunches and sailing adventures in Michigan.
Rob Foldy/Getty Images
The youngest of the Harbaugh children, John Paul Harbaugh, arrived on January 11, 2017. Jim excitedly announced John’s birth on social media, sharing that he was born early and spent some time in the NICU before being healthy enough to travel. John was later baptized in Vatican City, a memorable experience for the family that Jim described as a dream come true.
Together, Jim and Sarah have created a warm family environment filled with love and support for one another as they navigate the challenges of life in the public eye.
Sarah Enganges iN Charity Work
Sarah Harbaugh is actively engaged in charitable work, reflecting her commitment to giving back to the community. She and Jim have partnered with various organizations, including the Hope Clinic, where they participated in a breakfast benefit to raise funds for free medical and dental care services.
In May 2020, the Harbaughs donated $100,000 to United Way for Southeastern Michigan to support COVID-19 relief efforts. They have also served as co-chairs for the Victors for Michigan National Campaign Leadership Council for Mott and Von Voigtlander Hospital, emphasizing their focus on healthcare initiatives.
Additionally, Sarah is on the Board of Directors for ChadTough, an organization that funds research and supports families affected by aggressive brain tumors.
Sarah’s Role as a Coach’s Wife
Sarah Harbaugh plays a crucial role as both a wife and a coach’s partner, providing significant support to Jim throughout his career. She was instrumental in helping him with his first book, Enthusiasm Unknown to Mankind, which features photos from Jim’s first year coaching at Michigan and includes a personal essay on leadership. During a book signing, Sarah shared how she helped fine-tune the essay, highlighting her involvement in his work.
Their relationship is marked by mutual admiration, as they often express support for one another publicly. Sarah attends numerous games, standing by Jim during high-pressure moments and discussing the challenges of being a coach’s wife. Despite the emotional toll that game outcomes can have on her, she remains committed to supporting him.
Fun Facts About Sarah Harbaugh
1.Sarah has openly admitted that she is not fond of technology. She feels “behind the times” and often struggles to keep up with her kids’ tech-savvy skills. Her phone is rarely updated, which sometimes leads to frustration when it malfunctions.
2. As a child, Sarah dreamed of becoming a big rig driver
3. Despite her lack of interest in technology, Sarah enjoys playing the piano, a gift from Jim that she cherishes.
4. Sarah enjoys classic comedies like “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Seinfeld,” and “The Office,” which she finds consistently entertaining.
5. One of her guilty pleasures is indulging in an espresso martini, adding a fun twist to her personality.
6. Sarah Did a Dockers Commercial Against Dad Pants
7. Jim once compared her perfection to that of his former quarterback Andrew Luck during a press conference, he said,
” ‘I was thinking just the other night that two people in my life, my wife and our quarterback, Andrew Luck, have a lot in common in that they’re just both perfect. With most people, you say, “If they only didn’t do that. Or they didn’t do this.” Or you wish they could do this, or you wish they could do that. But I don’t do that with my wife Sarah or Andrew Luck. They are just absolutely perfect the way they are. For a football coach, that’s pretty great — to have a great wife and a great quarterback.’ ” — Jim Harbaugh, from ESPN’s Pac-12 blog
