When people hear the Harbaugh name, football usually comes to mind instantly. Championships, coaching legacies, and NFL headlines tend to dominate the conversation. Yet behind that well-known surname is a woman who chose a quieter, steadier path. Miah Harbaugh’s story is not about fame or headlines. It is about resilience, family, and strength built far from cameras.
This is a complete, friendly, and honest look at Miah Harbaugh’s life, from her early years to motherhood, marriage, divorce, and the calm life she leads now.
Who Is Miah Harbaugh Really?
Miah Harbaugh is best known as the first wife of Jim Harbaugh, the former NFL quarterback and long-time football coach. While Jim’s career unfolded in packed stadiums and national broadcasts, Miah stayed grounded, focusing on family, education, and stability.
She never chased attention, interviews, or public recognition. Instead, she built her life around raising three children and supporting them through constant change.
Quick Bio Snapshot
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Full Name: Miah Lee Burke Harbaugh
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Date of Birth: August 25, 1966
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Age: 59 years old as of 2025
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Birthplace: New Jersey, USA
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Nationality: American
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Education: University of Michigan, Paralegal Studies
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Marital Status: Divorced
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Ex-Spouse: Jim Harbaugh
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Children: Jay Harbaugh, James Harbaugh Jr., Grace Harbaugh
Early Life and Background
Miah Harbaugh was born and raised in New Jersey in a fairly typical suburban environment. Her early life stayed private, long before her name became connected to a famous football figure. Later, she moved to Orlando, Florida, where she balanced school with working as a waitress.
Her choice to study Paralegal Studies at the University of Michigan reflects her practical mindset and commitment to independence. Even during those early years, Miah preferred a low-key life, focused more on responsibilities than recognition.
How Old Is Miah Harbaugh?
Miah Harbaugh was born on August 25, 1966. That makes her 59 years old as of 2025.
Is Miah Harbaugh Still Alive?
Yes, she is very much alive and living a quiet life. As of 2025, Miah resides in Coronado, California, where she has chosen peace and privacy over publicity.
Physical Appearance and Personal Style
Miah Harbaugh has blonde hair and brown eyes, standing about 5 feet 7 inches tall. She maintains a simple, elegant appearance that matches her reserved personality.
Her style has always leaned toward understated rather than flashy. Even during her years married to a high-profile coach, she avoided attention and preferred to stay out of the spotlight whenever possible.
How Did Miah Meet Jim Harbaugh?
Miah and Jim Harbaugh met in the early 1990s while Jim was still playing in the NFL. Their relationship developed naturally, built on shared values and mutual support.
They dated for several years before getting married in 1996. During that time, Jim’s career was demanding and unpredictable, yet Miah remained supportive while continuing to manage her own responsibilities.
Who Is Jim Harbaugh?
Jim Harbaugh is a former NFL quarterback and one of the most recognizable football coaches in America. Born in 1963, he played 15 seasons in the NFL before transitioning into coaching.
His career includes:
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Head coach roles at Stanford and the San Francisco 49ers
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Leading the 49ers to Super Bowl XLVII
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Revitalizing the University of Michigan football program
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Winning a national championship in 2023
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Becoming head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024
While Jim’s achievements are widely known, the support system behind his early career is often overlooked.
Marriage to Jim Harbaugh
Miah Harbaugh married Jim Harbaugh in February 1996. Their wedding took place at the Hilton Waikoloa Village, marking the beginning of a life shaped by football schedules, relocations, and constant change.
As Jim moved from playing to coaching, the family relocated frequently. Miah took on the role of anchor, creating stability for their children even while living in new cities and adjusting to new routines.
Life as a Coach’s Wife
Being married to a football coach is not glamorous behind the scenes. Long hours, intense pressure, public scrutiny, and constant moves are part of the deal.
Miah handled these challenges by focusing on what mattered most:
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Keeping a stable home environment
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Supporting her children emotionally
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Managing life away from headlines
Her strength showed not in interviews or public appearances, but in the consistency she provided for her family.
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Children of Miah and Jim Harbaugh
Jay Harbaugh – Eldest Son
Jay Harbaugh was born on June 14, 1989. He followed the football path, earning a sociology degree from Oregon State University and beginning his coaching career early.
His journey includes roles with:
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Oregon State
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Baltimore Ravens
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University of Michigan
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Seattle Seahawks as special teams coordinator in 2024
Jay is married with two children, continuing the Harbaugh family tradition while building his own legacy.
James Harbaugh Jr. – Middle Child
Born on September 4, 1996, James chose a different path. He pursued theater and performing arts at the University of Michigan and later became a Delta Air Lines flight attendant.
James is openly gay and has spoken openly about the support he received from his family. His confidence and independence reflect the values Miah emphasized throughout his upbringing.
Grace Harbaugh – Youngest Daughter
Grace Harbaugh was born on June 27, 2000. She grew up in Coronado, California, where she developed a love for water sports before excelling in water polo.
Her accomplishments include:
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Playing water polo at the University of Michigan
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Earning a master’s degree from the Ross School of Business
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Working in entertainment and culture marketing at United Talent Agency
Grace balances ambition with creativity, a reflection of her upbringing.
Miah Harbaugh’s Parenting Influence
Miah’s parenting style focused on encouragement rather than pressure. Despite constant moves and public attention, she emphasized:
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Education
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Kindness
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Confidence
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Respect for individuality
Her children pursued very different careers, yet all display independence and strong values.
Divorce From Jim Harbaugh
Miah and Jim Harbaugh divorced in 2006 after ten years of marriage. The details were kept private, but demanding schedules and career pressures reportedly played a role.
What stands out is how they handled the separation:
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No public drama
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Continued cooperation as parents
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Mutual respect
Their approach helped protect their children during a major life transition.
Life After Divorce
After the divorce, Miah moved to Coronado, California. She stepped away from public life completely, focusing on her children and personal peace.
She never attempted to capitalize on her connection to Jim Harbaugh. Instead, she chose privacy, stability, and independence.
Personality and Core Traits
Those familiar with Miah describe her as:
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Resilient
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Private
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Family-centered
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Grounded
Her Virgo traits show in her practical decisions and thoughtful nature. She values integrity over attention and consistency over recognition.
Influence and Legacy
Miah Harbaugh’s influence is quiet but lasting. She helped shape a family that values hard work, authenticity, and personal choice.
Her legacy is visible in her children’s confidence and independence rather than headlines or interviews.
Net Worth and Financial Stability
As of 2025, Miah Harbaugh’s estimated net worth ranges between 2 million and 3 million dollars. This comes largely from her divorce settlement and careful financial management.
Her financial independence allowed her to:
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Provide stability for her children
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Live comfortably without public exposure
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Maintain a life aligned with her values
Final Thoughts
Miah Harbaugh’s story proves that not every meaningful life unfolds in front of cameras. She navigated marriage, motherhood, divorce, and change with quiet strength and grace.
While the Harbaugh name may always be linked to football, Miah’s true legacy lies in the family she raised and the dignity she maintained through every chapter.
Frequently Asked Questions About Miah Harbaugh
Who is Miah Harbaugh?
She is the first wife of football coach Jim Harbaugh and the mother of their three children.
When was Miah Harbaugh born?
She was born on August 25, 1966.
How many children does she have?
Three children: Jay, James, and Grace.
Where does Miah Harbaugh live now?
She lives in Coronado, California.
Is Miah Harbaugh on social media?
No public social media presence is known.
Has Miah Harbaugh remarried?
There are no public reports of remarriage.
Why is she rarely seen in public?
She values privacy and chooses to live quietly.
What makes her story unique?
Her strength comes from staying grounded and family-focused despite being connected to a famous sports figure.
