Jim Harbaugh, San Francisco 49ers Understandably Agree to Part Ways
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After an impressive Week 17 win over the Arizona Cardinals, Jim Harbaugh and the San Francisco 49ers have agreed to part ways.
While it’s still unclear exactly where Harbaugh will land (although it’s assumed as the head football coach of the Michigan Wolverines), it’s understandable that the two parties mutually agreed to part ways. The move will open the door for Harbaugh to take his talents wherever he chooses, instead of being traded as has been previously rumored.
Since taking over as the 49ers’ head coach four years ago, Harbaugh has helped turned San Francisco into an annual contender. Although the 49ers finished with an 8-8 record and no postseason trip in 2014, they went to the NFC Championship Game in each of Harbaugh’s first three seasons. One of those postseason trips included an appearance (and eventually loss) in Super Bowl XLVII.
Despite the success, Harbaugh seemed to be meeting resistance from the front office – specifically GM Trent Baalke – regarding his hard-nosed coaching style and abrasive attitude. Those issues, teamed with rumors of players having problems with Harbaugh, forced the 49ers to consider a different direction heading into 2015.
Harbaugh, however, seems to be getting the best hand in this situation. Wherever he goes, he’ll be paid well, treated like royalty and be given the keys to drive the team in the direction he likes. Whether it’s at the University of Michigan (his alma mater) or the Oakland Raiders, who have been pushing hard for his services, Harbaugh is sure to be sitting pretty when the 2015 football season rolls around.
It’s unknown at this time which direction the 49ers are looking to go in at the head coaching position, but you can bet the rumor mill will start churning in the near future.
The move was announced shortly after the 49ers’ season-ending win. Both parties are ready to start fresh, and understandably so.
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