When people hear the name Harbaugh, they usually think of football. Jim Harbaugh is a famous NFL coach known for his energy and passion for the game. But before his coaching success, there was someone special by his side – his first wife, Miah Harbaugh. While Jim became famous in the sports world, Miah chose a different path. She built a quiet life focused on her family and personal values. This is her story.
Personal Info
| Full Name | Miah Lee Burke Harbaugh |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 25, 1966 |
| Birthplace | New Jersey, USA |
| Age | 58 years old (as of 2025) |
| Education | Bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies |
| University | University of Michigan |
| Former Spouse | Jim Harbaugh (married 1996-2006) |
| Children | Three (Jay, James Jr., and Grace) |
| Current Residence | Coronado, California |
| Known For | Jim Harbaugh’s first wife, devoted mother |
Early Life and Background
Miah Lee Burke was born in New Jersey on August 25, 1966. She grew up in a regular American family and experienced a normal childhood. When she was younger, her family moved to Orlando, Florida. This move gave her new experiences and helped shape who she would become.
After finishing high school, Miah wanted to continue her education. She decided to study at the University of Michigan, where she worked toward a degree in Paralegal Studies. This showed her hard-working nature from an early age. While studying, she also worked as a waitress to support herself. Balancing work and school was not easy, but Miah managed both with determination.
Meeting Jim Harbaugh
In the early 1990s, Miah’s life changed when she met Jim Harbaugh. At that time, Jim was starting his career as an NFL quarterback. He was young, ambitious, and working hard to make a name for himself in professional football. Miah was still working as a waitress while finishing her studies.
Their first meeting was simple and natural. They started talking and quickly found they had a lot in common. They shared similar values and enjoyed spending time together. What started as friendship slowly grew into something more. Despite Jim’s busy football schedule, they made time for each other and their relationship became stronger.
Marriage and Family Life
After dating for about five years, Miah and Jim decided to get married. In February 1996, they had their wedding ceremony at the Hilton Waikoloa Village in Hawaii. It was a beautiful start to their married life together. After the wedding, they settled in Indianapolis, where Jim was playing for the Colts.
During their marriage, Miah took on the important role of being a coach’s wife. This was not an easy job. Jim was transitioning from being a player to becoming a coach, which meant long hours and lots of travel. Miah handled the household and made sure everything ran smoothly at home. She was Jim’s biggest supporter during this important time in his career.
Together, they built a family. Miah and Jim had three children – two sons named Jay and James, and a daughter named Grace. Being a mother became Miah’s main focus. She worked hard to give her children a stable and loving home, even when Jim was away for work.
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Life as a Coach’s Wife
Being married to a football coach came with unique challenges. The job required Jim to be away from home often. There were long practices, games on weekends, and sometimes moves to different cities. Through it all, Miah stayed strong and kept the family together.
She managed the daily tasks of raising three children mostly on her own. From school activities to doctor appointments, Miah handled it all. She made sure her children felt loved and secure, even when their father was busy with football. Her quiet strength helped the family stay grounded during those busy years.
Jim has publicly said that Miah was his biggest cheerleader during his early coaching career. She believed in him and supported his dreams, even when things were difficult. Her support played an important role in his success.
The Divorce
After ten years of marriage, Miah and Jim divorced in 2006. The exact reasons for their split have never been made public, and both have chosen to keep those details private. However, some reports suggest that Jim’s demanding coaching schedule put stress on their relationship. The long hours and constant pressure of professional football made it hard to maintain a healthy marriage.
Despite the end of their marriage, Miah and Jim handled their divorce in a mature way. They both agreed that their children’s wellbeing was the most important thing. They worked together to make sure the divorce would not hurt their kids.
After the divorce, Miah moved with her three children to Coronado, California. She focused on giving them a peaceful and stable environment. The divorce settlement was reportedly fair, though specific details were kept private.
Her Children’s Success
Miah’s dedication to her children has paid off. All three of her kids have grown into successful adults, each following their own path.
Her oldest son, Jay Harbaugh, followed in his father’s footsteps. He studied at Oregon State University and then began a career in football coaching. Today, he works as a special teams coach for the Seattle Seahawks. He has made his own name in the football world.
Her second son, James Harbaugh Jr., chose a completely different path. He studied music, theater, and dance at the University of Michigan. James has been open about his identity as a gay man and has received full support from his family. He now works as a flight attendant and enjoys the creative arts.
Her daughter, Grace Harbaugh, studied History of Art at the University of Michigan. She was also a talented water polo player during her college years. Grace has pursued her own interests while maintaining a close relationship with both her parents.
Life After Divorce
Since her divorce from Jim, Miah has chosen to live a private life. She rarely appears in the media or at public events. Unlike many people connected to famous figures, she has stayed away from the spotlight. This choice shows her desire to live life on her own terms.
Miah continues to live in California and focuses on her personal interests and family. Her background in paralegal studies has given her skills to work in various jobs if she chooses. However, details about her current career are not public.
While Jim remarried in 2008 to Sarah Feuerborn and has four more children, Miah has not remarried. She appears content with her private life and her role as a mother to her grown children.
Jim Harbaugh’s New Family
Two years after divorcing Miah, Jim met Sarah Feuerborn in a parking lot in Las Vegas. They married in 2008 and now have four children together – two daughters named Katherine and Addison, and two sons named John and Jack. Jim has said that Sarah has been a stabilizing force in his life as his coaching career continued to grow.
Despite Jim’s new family, he and Miah have maintained a respectful relationship. They continue to co-parent their three children and support them in their individual paths.
Miah’s Legacy
Miah Harbaugh’s story is one of strength, dedication, and grace. She was there during Jim’s early coaching years, supporting him and raising their family. When their marriage ended, she focused on what mattered most – her children’s happiness and wellbeing.
She has shown that not everyone connected to fame wants to be in the spotlight. Some people prefer a quiet life focused on family and personal fulfillment. Miah’s choice to maintain her privacy deserves respect.
Today, at 58 years old, Miah continues to live her life away from media attention. Her three children are successful and happy, which speaks to her dedication as a mother. While her name will always be connected to Jim Harbaugh, her story is much more than being someone’s ex-wife.
Conclusion
Miah Harbaugh’s life shows us the importance of staying true to yourself. From her early days as a student and waitress, through her years as a coach’s wife and mother, to her current private life, she has always focused on what truly matters – family, values, and personal peace.
Her story reminds us that success looks different for everyone. While some people seek fame and attention, others find fulfillment in quieter ways. Miah chose to build a strong foundation for her children and live with dignity and grace. That is a success worth celebrating.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Miah Harbaugh?
Miah Harbaugh is the first wife of famous football coach Jim Harbaugh. They were married from 1996 to 2006 and have three children together. She now lives a private life in California.
2. How many children does Miah Harbaugh have?
Miah has three children with Jim Harbaugh – two sons named Jay and James, and a daughter named Grace. All three are now adults with their own careers.
3. When did Miah and Jim Harbaugh divorce?
Miah and Jim divorced in 2006 after being married for 10 years. They have maintained a respectful relationship and continue to co-parent their children.
4. Has Miah Harbaugh remarried?
No, there is no public information showing that Miah has remarried since her divorce from Jim. She continues to focus on her family and private life.
5. Where does Miah Harbaugh live now?
Miah currently lives in Coronado, California. She has lived there since her divorce in 2006 and maintains a quiet, private lifestyle away from media attention.
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