Super Bowl strengthened brothers' relationship, Jim Harbaugh says

49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said his relationship with Ravens coach John Harbaugh has never been better. (USATSI)

Ravens coach John Harbaugh made headlines four days after the Super Bowl when he told David Letterman he hadn't spoken to his brother since the postgame handshake.

Now comes word from 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh that the two indeed spoke several days after Baltimore's thrilling 34-31 win.

Asked at the NFL combine how the Super Bowl affected their relationship, Jim Harbaugh said, "Don't think it affects, other than [make it] stronger."

"We've just got a strong relationship, and it just always seems to get stronger," he continued. "Very close."

Jim, the younger Harbaugh, said he called his brother and "we talked a little bit about the game, and some other things."

Jim Harbaugh did not say whether the two spoke about the controversial 4th-down play involving 49ers wideout Michael Crabtree and Ravens corner Jimmy Smith.

Asked if losing to his brother made defeat any easier to take, Jim Harbaugh said: “No, no, it's not easier."

No surprise here, but Jim Harbaugh said he's approaching the offseason "with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind," adding he's "got the paw in the ground, scratching ready to go."

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