Saints vs 49ers: Game Over, Crown Jim Harbaugh Coach of the Year Now

The San Francisco 49ers' amazing playoff victory against the New Orleans Saints this evening was only possible due to a change in culture within the organization. From the minute that Jim Harbaugh took over the team last January, the entire attitude of the players and those within this franchise changed. 

They went from an under performing, yet talented team, to a team that could contend with the very best that the National Football League has to offer. The first understanding of this new climate in San Francisco came after a thrilling come-from-behind victory against the Eagles in Philadelphia—a game that saw the 49ers fall down by 20 points early in the third quarter, only to rely heavily on the enigmatic Alex Smith, a much maligned quarterback that came up big time. 

Fast forward a few months and the 49ers were in the same situation. Only this time the stage was bigger and the reward was an invitation to the Final Four, better known the NFC Championship Game. San Francisco had to put every card within their deck on Alex Smith, and he came through big time. This new found confidence in the former No. 1 pick is a direct representation of the aura within the 49ers locker room. It goes without saying that Alex delivered on the biggest stage of his career. 

For that alone, Jim Harbaugh deserves to be NFL Coach of the Year. 

But, it doesn't stop there. 

San Francisco took out the mighty New Orleans Saints this evening in one of the most thrilling playoff games in NFL history. This is a team with barely any playoff experience heading into the game, but came up aces against a team that had won the Super Bowl just two seasons prior.

This isn't only a testament to the performance of Jim Harbaugh as head coach. It is a representation of how the team, all 53 players, took hold of what he had to say and ran with it. Remember, these are pretty much the same players who won six games last season.

You cannot underestimate what Jim Harbaugh has done for this franchise, this team, the city of San Francisco and the fan base. No matter what happens next weekend, he has earned his keep and deserves to be recognized as the best coach from the 2011 NFL season.

It really is that simple.