Super Bowl XLVII: Jim Harbaugh calls John Madden for advice

Jack and Jackie Harbaugh, parents of Super Bowl 47 head coaches John and Jim, held a radio press conference this week related to the big game. Eldest son, "John from Baltimore," called into the show as a prank, asking if it was true that they favored Jim, coach of the San Francisco 49ers.

It was a nice lighthearted moment during this strenuous two-week build up to the game.

Without missing a beat, Jim called into radio KCBS 740-AM on Friday morning. This particular show is regularly hosted by NFL legend and former Super Bowl winning head coach John Madden.

According to Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News, the conversation went as follows:

"What advice can you give me as first-time coach going to the Super Bowl?" Harbaugh asked.

"You're a heck of a lot better coach than I ever was," Madden answered.

"Bullcrap. Bullcrap," Harbaugh responded.

"No, no. No bullcrap," said Madden. "The job you've done there, and I say this when you're not on here, is one of the all-time great coaching jobs."

From there, Madden gave Harbaugh pearls of wisdom on Super Bowl preparations.

"I just know the team that complains the most usually loses," Madden said. "The other thing I know is you haven't done anything yet. The team that celebrates having gotten there the most usually loses a little focus."

Harbaugh repeated those nuggets while jotting them down, noting how the "complaint" item was "really profound."

At the end of their 10-minute chat, Harbaugh told Madden how appreciative he was and that he'd be making a follow-up call. An hour later, Harbaugh hadn't called back and Madden wasn't surprised.

"He's got more important thing to do," Madden said. "I was surprised he took that much time out to talk on the radio."

As if Harbaugh wanted to outdo his brother's midweek motivational ploy, the 49ers HC was able to get some direct wisdom from a Hall of Fame coach.

Madden's comments about the team that complains the most, as well as the one that celebrates having gotten there the most becoming complacent and losing focus, really struck a chord with Harbaugh. This could become a concern for the 49ers who were caught partying by TMZ following the NFC Championship win.

This is not to suggest that the team is complacent, but we've heard more about Colin Kaepernick and the 49ers this week than we have the Ravens. Baltimore is sort of flying under the radar at this point, which should make San Francisco fans a little uneasy.

After receiving some sage advice from Madden himself, Harbaugh may have one last trick up his sleeve to get his players refocused for the Super Bowl. If they come away with a win and a sixth Lombardi Trophy in six tries, John Madden probably deserves that follow-up call.