The NFL season isn't even over, but 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh is already being eyed in trade deals, as the Oakland Raiders, Cleveland Browns, NY Jets, New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons all could be making coaching changes and Harbaugh could be at the top of the list if he can't work out an extension with San Francisco.
Harbaugh and the Niners have reportedly been at odds over the past couple years and while it seems crazy to get rid of a coach that has gone to three straight NFC title games, that is what the 49ers reportedly are thinking. According to ESPN.com reporter Adam Schefter, the Niners will not resolve the future of Harbaugh until after the season, meaning he will not be getting an extension during the 2014 season. That talk has led many to speculate that the team could trade Harbaugh for compensation and Schefter writes that the Raiders could be at the top of the list.
Talent-wise the drop off between the Raiders and Niners is huge, but going to Oakland could give Harbaugh the power he reportedly desires. Many have reported on the issues between head coach and GM over the past year or two and with the way the Raiders have run, it's likely that if Harbaugh was acquired, he would be given control over player personnel. The Raiders won their first game just a week ago and they now are coming off a horrible 50-point shutout against the Rams.
The 49ers have been playing well this season and over the last four years, but many have written in the past about how Harbaugh can wear out his welcome. The same thing was said when he was at Stanford and now it could be playing out again in the NFL. Schefter writes that the Raiders are the favorites, as they are in the Bay Area and can offer him great control. The Jets expect to fire Rex Ryan and could look at a deal, although having John Idzik in place may put that out as an option for the Niners and Harbaugh.
Last season the Cleveland Browns looked in on trading for Harbaugh and while they are happy with Mike Pettine, they could look at doing it again. The Raiders and Jets plan on checking out things and reports say that the Niners could look at trading Harbaugh for a draft pick if it was high enough. Harbaugh has one year left on his deal but so far the Niners and the coach have not been able to agree on a contract extension.
The Niners come into this week after a loss against the Seattle Seahawks at home on Thanksgiving and that three point performance has many looking for answers. The team now likely needs to finish 4-0 for a chance at making the playoffs and while the Niners have been in the NFC title game and Super bowl over the past few years, Harbaugh may not survive this season. The Raiders are a mess and a man like Harbaugh with his rough demeanor could be exactly what the team needs to turn things around and they could be willing to give him player control as well.
