There they were standing side-by-side with the face of the most magical place on Earth.

Jim Harbaugh and Nick Saban, coaches for the No. 1 Michigan Wolverines and No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide, respectfully, were posing with Mickey Mouse at Disneyland just days before their biggest games of their season.

Social media reacted, of course. Harbaugh, with his arm around Mickey. Saban keeping to himself.

On Thursday, during his weekly appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” the Alabama coach said the photo op gave his ego a shot.

“The only thing I know about that picture is Mickey Mouse is the only guy I’m taller than in the whole picture,” he said. “That helped my ego a little bit.”

Saban and Harbaugh were each flanked by three of their own players, so he was certainly the shortest of all those not employed by Disney.

But how much taller is the Alabama coach?

Saban stands 5-foot-6. Mickey Mouse, on the other hand, is 5-2 when guests visit the Disney Parks. On screen, he stands just under 3 feet.

The Tide and Wolverines face off Jan. 1 in the Rose Bowl at 4:30 p.m. in the College Football Playoff semifinals.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.