Mike Sando of ESPN (insider only), put together a list of potential destinations for 49ers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, who is widely considered to be done in San Francisco at the conclusion of this season.
- Adam Schefter has already identified two potential landing spots, in the Raiders and Jets, who are expected to inquire about Harbaugh’s availability in a trade after the season.
It should be noted that Harbaugh’s contract with the 49ers does not expire until after the 2015 season, but based on reports, he will be coaching elsewhere next year.
Oakland is the first team brought up by Sando. The organization is yet to commit to interim Head Coach Tony Sparano longterm, and a lightning rod like Harbaugh could actually help alleviate some of the criticism directed at the Raiders’ front office.  A partnership with QB Derek Carr also makes a lot of sense.
Sando raises the issue of compensation, questioning both whether Oakland would pay Harbaugh and his high-priced assistants, as well as whether they would be willing to compensate the 49ers for acquiring their coach.
Sando next cites the Jets, quoting an executive who stated “Harbaugh brings credibility and the Jets need that.”
The Jets absolutely need a stabilizing force in their locker room, and could accordingly, be willing to deal with any front office friction Harbaugh could bring. Â With GM John Idzik likely on his way out, it would be interesting to see who New York brought in as a replacement. Â Harbaugh will likely seek more power than he has in San Francisco, so this dynamic could ultimately swing his decision.
The first surprise team Sando brings up is Miami. Â The Dolphins have a talented roster, but an executive told Sando that “I think Miami makes the playoffs, but if they miss the playoffs at 8-8, the Dolphins are my pick.” Â The executive continued “The owner [Stephen Ross] wanted to hire the guy before.”
Miami could appeal to Harbaugh, as a team that does not need to rebuild. Â Ross’ interest in Harbaugh in the past is noteworthy, though there have not been any indications that Head Coach Joe Philbin is on the hot seat.Â
Atlanta is the next potential destination. Â Owner Arthur Blank has made it known that he believes there is enough talent on the Falcons roster to produce better results. Â Further, Sando quotes an agent that stated “I would not doubt if you are talking about Arthur Blank trying to build a stadium, he goes for flash.”
Mike Smith‘s tenure does seem to be reaching an end, despite Atlanta’s contention for a playoff spot in the weak NFC South. Â If Blank does indeed seek to make a splash, this could be a real possibility.
Sando last notes Harbaugh’s alma mater, the University of Michigan.
An insider said “If he wants power and a lot of money and knows the landscape, he can go there and have everything he wants.”
If it’s control Harbaugh seeks, the college game may be the best option for him. Â But Sando notes that the criticism of Harbaugh revolves around his intensity, rather than the pursuit of personal authority.
Still, it seems likely that Michigan would allow Harbaugh full control of the program, providing him greater autonomy than any NFL franchise could.
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I think TB, he will have a top pick to get his QB. And he will already have a lot of key pieces in place. Plus he will have a lot of control over the team. Hey, let’s be honest. They are desperate.
If Jimbo goes, I hope he goes back to the college ranks.
What about the Bears? I think its very possible that the Bears clean house this offseason firing Emery and Trestmen. Harbaugh is a former Bear and he can be the head coach and have good control on team personal also.
I don’t believe the Bears will fire Emery, so I don’t see Harbaugh as a fit. It’s difficult to envision Emery and Harbaugh coexisting considering the philosophical differences between the two.
I hear you, but I have heard things that McCaskey’s are pretty ticked about this year and might actually clean house for once. But I agree with you that if Emery isn’t fired then no way Harbaugh comes here.
I would really be shocked if the Bears fired Emery, despite the rumors.
This season has just been a mess for the Bears, but it’s still tough to advocate for Trestman, Tucker or Kromer keeping their jobs.
What philosophical differences? Emery worked with Scott Pioli who was vice president of player personnel with Belichick. Emery and Pioli are not that different and know how to work with a strong minded head coach. Emery is only concerned with winning football games and knows if he could score a Belichick style coach like Harbaugh it would only make him look better and give him more job security.