The Pete Carroll–Jim Harbaugh rivalry has thankfully continued into the NFL.
Carroll had criticism over Harbaugh's recent complaints that the Seahawks' defensive backs were getting away with too-physical play down the field, implying that it contradicted Harbaugh's accusation that Giants' offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride was trying to influence officials prior to the 49ers-Giants game. Carroll fired back at his long-time rival during his weekly segment on "Brock and Salk."
"Wasn't it just a couple weeks ago when they were talking about not
doing things like that? The Giants, Kevin Gilbride, or something like
that?" Carroll said. "I thought there was something about that where we
don't go out and express our concerns and all."
Harbaugh said on Friday that he was planning on contacting the NFL over the official rules about how much contact a defensive back can have down the field. The Seahawks secondary is known for their physical play and Harbaugh thought they were getting away with too much.
His complaints came just one week after blasting Gilbride for saying 49ers defensive end Justin Smith "gets away with murder" for holding opposing offensive linemen. Harbaugh thought that Gilbride was trying to influence officiating with his remarks that came just days prior to the matchup between the Giants and 49ers.
Harbaugh responded to Carroll on Monday (is this getting confusing yet?) and said that he wasn't trying to influence officials, just responding to a question during a press conference according to the Sacramento Bee.
Harbaugh and Carroll's rivalry goes back to their days as Pac 12 head coaches. Carroll had an issue with Harbaugh after he thought that Stanford had run up the score against USC. Carroll famously asked, "What's your deal?" to Harbaugh during their postgame handshake after USC had lost 55-21.
Since both teams and both coaches have had a great deal of success during their young tenures, this looks like a rivalry that will continue for years to come. The next Carroll-Harbaugh handshake comes Dec. 23.
