Contract Extension For 49ers HC Jim Harbaugh “Less Likely?”

According to Matt Maiocco of the CSN Bay Area, the recent contract extension signed by Seahawks HC Pete Carroll makes it seem “less likely” that 49ers HC Jim Harbaugh will sign an extension in the coming months.

Maiocco believes there is a better chance of Harbaugh finishing out the remainder of his contract in the hope of winning a Super Bowl, which would give him the leverage to be paid as one of the top coaches in the league.

“It’s difficult to envision a scenario in which Harbaugh accepts a lower deal now rather than take another shot at seeing if he can earn a Super Bowl-winning type of extension,” Maiocco writes.

Harbaugh still has two seasons remaining on his five-year, $25 million contract with San Francisco, and even though he has helped turn the franchise around in recent years, reports have indicated that CEO Jed York is unwilling to pay him like a Super Bowl winning coach unless he actually wins a title.

The offseason has been filled with trade rumors regarding Harbuagh and the Browns as well as reports of issues between Harbaugh and the 49ers’ front office. However, the team has maintained that they would like to sign Harbaugh to an extension at some point this offseason, but the recent extensions handed out Carroll and Broncos HC John Fox will only increase Harbaugh’s asking price.

I’m sure we’ll hear more regarding this topic in the coming months.