Jim Harbaugh officially is unemployed.
Less than an hour after beating the Arizona Cardinals in their season finale, the San Francisco 49ers and their head coach mutually agreed to part ways, team CEO Jed York announced in a statement. Harbaugh had one season left on his five-year, $25 million contract.
“Jim and I have come to the conclusion that it is in our mutual best interest to move in different directions,” York said, via ESPN. “We thank Jim for bringing a tremendous competitive nature and a great passion for the game to the 49ers. He and his staff restored a winning culture that has been the standard for our franchise throughout its history.
“Their commitment and hard work resulted in a period of success that should be looked back on proudly by our organization and our fans. We wish Jim and his family all the best.”
Harbaugh had an impressive four-year tenure in the Bay Area, leading San Francisco to three NFC Championship games and one Super Bowl while compiling an overall record of 49-22-1.
Harbaugh’s most likely destination appears to be the University of Michigan, as the football program has been heavily courting the former Wolverine to return to his alma mater. This scenario appears to be “almost certain,” according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.
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Rapoport reports that the Oakland Raiders could be the only other team with a shot at landing Harbaugh, but a chance to restore the Wolverines as a college football powerhouse could be too enticing for the 51-year-old to turn down.
Thumbnail photo via Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports Images
