San Francisco 49ers: Likeliest New Homes if Jim Harbaugh Bolts
By Erik Lambert
Aug 28, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh reacts during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Jim Harbaugh is reportedly losing control of the San Francisco 49ers locker room. If the head coach should depart, where could he end up?
Dallas Cowboys
Rumors actually have been ongoing regarding Harbaugh and the Dallas Cowboys. The team has deep pockets to pay him top dollar, which they would without a second though if Jason Garrett fails to yet again get the team over the hump and into the playoffs. Harbaugh is a motivator with an eye for talent and an ability to develop young prospects. Jerry Jones may have a good memory of a similar kind of coach named Jimmy Johnson. The two won a pair of Super Bowls together. It seems like an obvious marriage.
Miami Dolphins
Chasing the money seems like the running theme for Harbaugh. Another team with connections to the chase are the Miami Dolphins. Pressure is also increasing on their current coach Joe Philbin both for not making the playoffs and the ugly bullying scandal involving guard Richie Incognito. Philbin must deliver in 2014, otherwise the well-funded Dolphins will gladly hand the reins over to Harbaugh.
Michigan
A big key in this entire situation is that Harbaugh had great success in college and like Nick Saban may prefer it to the pros because of the decreased media responsibilities. So why Michigan? Well it’s a program with a rich tradition and fan base that has fallen on hard times, which means a coaching change could be imminent. Harbaugh factors in because he played his four years of college ball as a Wolverine quarterback. Returning to rescue his alma mater certainly would sound appealing.
Florida
College coaches can make big money too, especially at the powerhouse programs. One very interesting slot that is looking shaky is head coach at Florida. Will Muschamp is coming off his worst season in three years with the Gators, finishing 4-8 and failing to qualify for a bowl game. The pressure is squarely on him to get things fixed otherwise the demanding Florida fans will call for a change and most likely get it. Harbaugh would have it made if he landed such a big position.