San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh had every reason to be pumped up after San Francisco’s 25-19 comeback victory over the previously undefeated Lions, which pushed his team to 5-1 on the 2011 NFL season. His sideline counterpart, however, took offense to Harbaugh’s post-game reaction on the field.

In crossing paths with Harbaugh, television cameras showed that Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz was unhappy with their initial encounter, as Harbaugh, in his fired-up, excitable mode, didn’t stop for the obligatory handshake.

Schwartz, in his rage, then proceeded to go after Harbaugh all the way downfield and into the end zone before the tunnel. The incident prompted players from both teams to gather for pushing and shoving, with team and NFL officials working to separate the sides.

In the Lions’ post-game news conference, Schwartz said he was irked when his path to Harbaugh was obstructed and then heard a word he didn’t like.

“I went to congratulate Harbaugh and got shoved out of the way,” Schwartz told reporters. “I didn’t expect an obscenity.”

This isn’t the first time a Harbaugh has ticked off an opposing losing coach on the road in a dome this season. St. Louis Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo admitted to reporters he felt a little slighted by his friend, Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh, after a Week 3 Baltimore win at St. Louis.

Schwartz himself has seen been enthusiastic in victory, a consistent happening during the Lions’ 5-0 start. Harbaugh, since his playing days as an NFL quarterback, has been known for always showing off his intensity and emotions.

It’s clear that both men were affected by the heat of the moment, an obvious high for Harbaugh and in ’11, a rare low for Schwartz. With the Lions in the NFC’s top wild-card position and the Niners starting to run away with the NFC West, there’s a decent chance the coaches and their teams will meet again in the playoffs.