It’s hardly a secret that most coaches would prefer not having to do in-game interviews.
However, most are able to hide whatever frustration comes from them better than John Harbaugh did Sunday night.
The Baltimore Ravens coach did the required sideline interview between the first and second quarters of their playoff game against the Bengals. Baltimore, which had to start backup quarterback Tyler Huntley, went into the game as a substantial underdog.
By the time Harbaugh did his interview, they were down 3-0, Huntley had already thrown an interception and the Bengals were on the brink of scoring.
Harbaugh flashed the forced politician smile and went through his interview with Melissa Stark. But when she asked what it would take to get Huntley replaced with Anthony Brown, the situation became palpably awkward.
There were reports heading into the game that the Ravens might play both quarterbacks, however Harbaugh had never said anything about that concept publicly. In fact, as recently as Friday he still wouldn't confirm which quarterback would start.
Maybe he was caught off guard by the question (he shouldn’t have been), or just didn’t want to divulge quarterback plans with 45 minutes left.
Either way, the exchange made for some uncomfortable television.
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