Jim Harbaugh Rumors: Latest Speculation, News on Former 49ers Head Coach

Jim Harbaugh's future as coach of the San Francisco 49ers has been determined. Harbaugh and the 49ers have agreed to part ways so the head coach can pursue other opportunities.     

The Raiders, Jets and Dolphins were rumored to be teams watching Harbaugh closely. However, the University of Michigan is reportedly Harbaugh's next destination, and an official press conference is scheduled for Tuesday.

Continue for updates.

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Harbaugh Reportedly Accepts Michigan Position, Press Conference Planned for Tuesday

Monday, Dec. 29

"Jim Harbaugh has agreed to take the Michigan job, per source. Done deal," reported Albert Breer of NFL.com. When asked about the Michigan position on Sunday, Harbaugh said, "There will be announcements made," per ESPN's Dan Murphy.

"Michigan has told its biggest boosters a deal for Jim Harbaugh is done and a press conference is scheduled for Tuesday, per sources," reported ESPN's Adam Schefter.

On Saturday, Bleacher Report's Jason Cole provided details on Harbaugh's future:

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Two members of the San Francisco 49ers staff and a third NFL source said Saturday they expect that 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh will accept a six-year, $48 million contract to become the head coach of the University of Michigan.

'That's what everybody on staff believes is going to happen this week,' one of the sources said. Jim has figured out that his style is best-suited for the college game. His shtick works better with young guys who are gone after three or four years.

"

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Harbaugh to Meet With Raiders, Oakland Reportedly Already 'Disappointed'

Monday, Dec. 29

Fox Sports' Alex Marvez reported the Oakland Raiders are already "disappointed": 

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Well, at least the Oakland Raiders tried to hire Jim Harbaugh.

That may serve as small consolation, but a source tells FOX Sports that the Raiders were truly in the mix to sign Harbaugh as their new head coach. Harbaugh, though, ultimately chose to return to the college ranks as the new head coach at the University of Michigan. That deal could be officially announced as early as today.

'Jim was their first choice,' the source said. '(The Raiders) are disappointed.'

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Earlier, Michael Silver of the NFL Network reported the Raiders and Harbaugh were scheduled to meet on Monday:

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Harbaugh, 49ers Agree to Part Ways

Sunday, Dec. 28

The 49ers official Twitter account confirmed Jim Harbaugh's status in San Francisco following the team's week 17 win over Arizona:

Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports reported more on Harbaugh's immediate plans following the announcement:

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Michigan Reportedly Confident Harbaugh Will be Next Head Coach

Friday, Dec. 26

CBS 5's Joe Pequeno has the latest on Harbaugh and Michigan:

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Baalke Confirms Michigan Contact

Tuesday, Dec. 23

49ers general manager Trent Baalke confirmed that the team had been contacted by Michigan regarding head coach Jim Harbaugh, according to the Toledo Blade:

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San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke confirmed that Michigan has contacted the organization about the possibility of hiring Jim Harbaugh.

"I think the University of Michigan, in reaching out, did handle it correctly," Baalke told 95.7 The Game, a San Francisco sports-talk radio station, Monday night. "As I look at it, it's very simple. He's the head football coach of the San Francisco 49ers."

Baalke reiterated that Harbaugh's future with the 49ers would not be addressed until after the final regular-season game on Sunday against Arizona. Harbaugh has one season left on his 5-year, $25-million contract with San Francisco.

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Joe Pequeno of CBS 4 in Arizona reports that sources indicated that the Niners' coach is leaning towards Michigan: 

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Team Stream Now: Dolphins Retained Philbin to Avoid 'Bidding War' for Harbaugh

Monday, Dec. 22

Bleacher Report's Jason Cole explained why the Dolphins retained head coach Joe Philbin: 

ESPN Adam Schefter reports that Harbaugh's decision will come down to two teams per colleague Bill Williamson:  

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Harbaugh Departure from 49ers 'Inevitable'

Sunday, Dec. 21

Following the 49ers' 38-35 loss to the Chargers, CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reported Harbaugh's departure was inevitable:

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... As for Harbaugh, Michigan's interest in him only increases his leverage and the likelihood that despite him having a year left on his 49ers contract and the team preferring to get draft pick compensation for him in trade, that's going to be difficult to execute. Having him around the office everyday, during a hypothetical negotiation to trade him, would be toxic, Harbaugh will have no inclination to delay the process and the 49ers would be delaying their own coaching search by holding out for draft picks for Harbaugh.

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La Canfora went on to describe Harbaugh's relationship with the 49ers as "broken," and that "his departure is inevitable."

Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area cites a report from Jay Glazer of Fox Sports stating the team will look to part ways with Harbaugh within two days of the end of the season. 

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Harbaugh to Meet With 49ers to Discuss Future

Saturday, Dec. 20

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network provides an update on Harbaugh's future with the 49ers:

Rapoport also lists potential candidates for the 49ers to replace Harbaugh:

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Harbaugh Reportedly Conflicted on Decision

Friday, Dec. 19

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported an update on Harbaugh's thinking:

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San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh's family and friends have been encouraging him to take the University of Michigan head coaching job, but he is torn because his heart is in the NFL, per sources close to the situation.

Harbaugh first would like to see what head coaching opportunities come available—and he is likely to be a top choice for a handful of teams—before getting back to Michigan with an answer, per sources.

He also is aware of the fact that Michigan might not be able to wait for him, especially when it might not even land the coach who is believed to be the school's top choice. Plus, college football recruiting is in full swing. The longer a school waits, the more of a disadvantage it can be. It leaves both sides in a tough and delicate spot, even though they have mutual interest in each other, per sources.

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At least one important person is in favor of an Ann Arbor move, according to Schefter:

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Harbaugh's wife also is said to be open and on board to him going back to Ann Arbor if that's what he wants, per sources.

While some have pointed out that recruiting would be a challenge, it is one that does not concern Harbaugh, per sources. Harbaugh believes he has successfully recruited before and he would do so again if he returned to college.

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Team Stream Now: Is Harbaugh Worth Nearly $50M to Michigan?

Thursday, Dec. 18

Yesterday, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Michigan has made a six-year, $48 million offer to Harbaugh. Today, Bleacher Report's Barrett Sallee and Adam Kramer weighed in with their thoughts:

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Harbaugh Cannot Be Traded Without Consent

Monday, Dec. 15

Pro Football Talk clarified the situation surrounding Jim Harbaugh in any potential trade:

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'Mutual Interest' Between Raiders and Harbaugh

Sunday, Dec. 7

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported there was "mutual interest" between Harbaugh and the Raiders and explained how a trade would work:  

CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora also reported on the Raiders' interest in Harbaugh as "trading Harbaugh out of the NFC would be a priority for the 49ers":

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Oakland Raiders owner Mark Davis remains hopeful of landing Jim Harbaugh to be his next head coach, league sources said, and is prepared to spend big bucks and part with draft pick compensation to do so. Harbaugh, whose family has expressed a strong desire to remain in the Bay Area in the past, has Raiders ties, and several sources connected to emerging coaching searches believe Oakland will be his most serious suitor. ...

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Michigan Not an Early Option for Harbaugh Family

Sunday, Dec. 7

"Harbaugh's family has close ties to outgoing Michigan coach Brady Hoke and Harbaugh is much more interested in NFL possibilities," La Canfora reported. Rapoport and Albert Breer of NFL.com continued:

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What Would the Price Be for Landing Harbaugh?

Monday, Dec. 1

Bleacher Report's Mike Freeman reports on how much compensation a team would likely have to part with in order to secure Jim Harbaugh:

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Jets or Raiders? Chris Simms, Adam Schefter Weigh In on Better Landing Spot

Monday, Dec. 1

Bleacher Report's Chris Simms, with host Adam Lefkoe, discussed the early options reportedly staring at Harbaugh should he part ways with the 49ers:

Nick Baumgardner of MLive.com provided a statement from ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter discussing his thoughts on Harbaugh's situation on ESPN's Mike and Mike:

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I think he's more interested in staying in the pros. Listen, as a guy who went to Michigan, I've had a lot of people ask me 'could Jim Harbaugh wind up at Michigan?' I'm not going to tell you he can't, but based on everything I've been told and heard, I do not see that happening.

(What's) more likely (is), after the season's over, they sit down and figure out how to move forward and I think the chance's are Jim Harbaugh is not there. He's got a year left on his contract, he can't just up and leave (to another NFL team). The 49ers have his rights. He can't just up and leave, I think the 49ers have his rights. So if they have his rights and everyone agrees there has to be a change, why not get something back in return.

To me, the Oakland Raiders are the obvious landing spot. It would mean he could stay in the Bay Area, I'm sure he and his family are happy about that idea. ... I do know the Jets are monitoring the situation, whatever that means, they're paying close attention to it. ... We'll see.

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49ers Assistants Already 'Politicking' to Replace Harbaugh

Monday, Dec. 1

Bleacher Report's Jason Cole reported details from within the 49ers' organization:

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Harbaugh Speaks on Future in San Francisco

Monday, Dec. 1

Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area passed along comments from Harbaugh on his future with the 49ers:

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Harbaugh on Trade Block? Raiders and Jets Reportedly Interested

Sunday, Nov. 30

Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports added another report suggesting Harbaugh's future with the 49ers is in doubt, noting, "With a year left on his deal, the 49ers are expected to seek draft pick compensation in a trade of Harbaugh should he go the NFL route, while several colleges will approach him as well, most notably Michigan, where he played and has strong ties."

He added, "Many around the league anticipate more of the lingering bad blood between Harbaugh and the management and ownership of the 49ers to continue to boil over in the coming weeks, particularly if this team ends up merely playing out the string in December."

ESPN's Adam Schefter followed, with ESPN's Rich Cimini providing his take on what it means shortly after:

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If the 49ers can pull off a 4-0 finish to the regular season and make a run in the postseason that some in the organization are still convinced is possible, Harbaugh could land a contract extension, sources said.

He will have one year remaining on his existing deal but has already rebuffed extension offers. ...

... The Oakland Raiders and New York Jets both are expected to, at the very least, inquire about Harbaugh's availability in a trade, a source said.

One NFL source is convinced the Raiders are the favorite to land Harbaugh, but the Jets also are known to be keeping a close eye on Harbaugh's situation.

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Jason Cole of Bleacher Report weighed in on what he was hearing regarding Harbaugh's future:

It's hard to imagine that a coach who has led his team to three straight NFC title games and the Super Bowl in 2012 is likely to leave the organization and, perhaps more surprisingly, that the team seemingly will have no problem severing ties.

Since taking over in 2011, the Niners became one of the best teams in the NFL. Still, the marriage between the high-strung coach and the franchise doesn't appear as though it will end amicably. 

Harbaugh and general manager Trent Baalke have notoriously feuded in the past, and Harbaugh's aggressive, passionate and no-nonsense approach to coaching has reportedly worn thin with certain players. Put another way, Harbaugh has a reputation for being successful, but he does not have a reputation for being easy to work with from a management and player perspective. 

Harbaugh doesn't seem to mind. When asked by Seth Wickersham of ESPN what it was about him that perhaps other people find difficult, he answered, "There's a saying by Ralph Waldo Emerson: 'As long as all that's written is said against me, then I feel a certain assurance of success. If people are heaping flowery words of praise upon me, then I feel exposed to my enemies.'"

Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

The issue for Harbaugh in San Francisco may ultimately be that much of his criticism is coming in the form of whispers within the organization, not external voices. An NFL coach can survive the flak and insults spewed by journalists and callers on sports talk radio. That adversity can even help a coach galvanize his team and forge an "us against the world" mentality if he plays his cards right.

It's far more difficult for a coach to survive when the front office and players are the naysayers.