The curious case of Jim Harbaugh continues. The San Francisco 49ers head coach has had plenty of success in his time in the NFL, but has faced more trade and release rumors than most players. Harbaugh reportedly wants more control of the team than the front office plans to give him and as numerous coaching jobs prepare to be opened, is Harbaugh coaching his final games in San Francisco?
According to FOX Sports NFL Insider Jay Glazer, the 49ers plan to trade Harbaugh in the offseason in hopes of getting draft picks in return. This idea has been floating around for almost a year now. The head coach is preparing to enter the final year of his contract worth five years and $25 million. San Francisco opted not to re-sign him last offseason and as the 49ers continue to be hot and cold this year, it does not appear like they plan to.
The 49ers are coming off a 19-3 home loss on Thanksgiving to the Seattle Seahawks. After the game, CEO Jed York tweeted an apology to San Francisco fans that the loss was completely unacceptable. Most interpreted as shots towards Harbaugh which only increased speculation that he would be out sooner rather than later.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the 49ers plan to make a decision on the head coach when the season is over. Right now, the 49ers are 7-5 while sitting in third in the NFC West. Their playoff chances are slim considering their division. However, the 49ers remain in the hunt which makes a mid-season coaching change useless. If the team can pull off a 4-0 finish, Harbaugh could find himself with a contract extension in the offseason. If they fail to do so, a trade is likely.
Harbaugh will be a big commodity in the offseason. The Oakland Raiders will be a frontrunner after the firing of Dennis Allen. The New York Jets look to be getting rid of Rex Ryan. The Atlanta Falcons may drop Mike Smith. Everyone will be interested in a coach with proven playoff success.
Harbaugh is not the only offseason move the 49ers might make. They have plenty of contracts that need handling. Michael Crabtree is in need of an extension. Aldon Smith will be looking for a new deal. Frank Gore's contract is expiring and Vernon Davis wants more money. The 49ers have a big offseason headed their way.