OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- John Harbaugh said "it meant everything" that Patriots coach Bill Belichick called owner Steve Bisciotti and suggested that he interview Harbaugh for the Baltimore Ravens' head coaching opening in 2008.

"The fact that he was willing to do that at the time, I was stunned when I heard the story much later," Harbaugh said Thursday. "I would describe the relationship as very good. [I have] great admiration for coach and consider him ... I’ve never worked with him, specifically, but for whatever reason he has been always willing to kind of take me under his wing in a way and give me time and insight and things like that."

When the Ravens and Patriots met near the end of last season, Belichick said he wished he was better friends with Harbaugh, but it's tough when they're always competing against each other.

"I have a lot of respect for John," Belichick said. "John, obviously again had a great background -- football family. He grew up with it, as I did. He’s really paid his dues. He’s been a good coach in this league, whether it was on special teams or defense or obviously as a head coach."

Saturday's AFC divisional playoff game marks the third time in four seasons that the teams will face each other in the playoffs. The Ravens have ended the Patriots' season in 2009 and 2012.

Should Belichick now regret referring Harbaugh for Ravens job?

"I don't think I'm going to get into that," Harbaugh said with a smile.