Jim Harbaugh is likely out as San Francisco 49ers head coach after this season and teams like the Oakland Raiders, Cleveland Browns, Chicago Bears, Miami Dolphins and NY jets could be interested in making a trade for him, while the Michigan Wolverines have also made a strong push for his services if the Niners opt to move on in 2015.
The Niners have missed the playoffs for the first time under Harbaugh and reports from ESPN and other media sites have the team likely moving on from the coach after 2014. According to Adam Schefter at ESPN.com, Harbaugh and the front office have clashed on multiple occasions over the past few years and that is why it's likely the 49ers will have a different head coach for the 2015 season. Schefter wrote after the Niners were eliminated from playoff contention that both the Jets and the Raiders would be interested in Harbaugh if the 49ers move on.
Harbaugh has one year left on his deal and while Schefter wrote that an extension could be possible between the two sides, it's looking unlikely. Teams can trade for Harbaugh with the 49ers and both the Jets and Raiders could be options for that move along with the Browns. Cleveland explored a trade for Harbaugh last year and they could pick up on that after their slight collapse this season. The Browns have been pleased with Mike Pettine, but he was not their first choice when he was hired and they could look at Harbaugh if he is made available.
Harbaugh has shown in the past that he can turn teams around quickly and that he works well with young quarterbacks. The Browns and Raiders would fit into that mold and so would the Jets, as all three have young QBs or are planning to draft another one this coming season. Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross may look at moving on from Joe Philbin and he could target Harbaugh after previously trying to hire him as the head coach of the Fins. Harbaugh likes the west coast, but he could be tempted to take over for a team like the Dolphins, Jets or Browns if the price is right.
The Michigan Wolverines are also a possibility and Adam Schefter reported that Harbaugh is "considering" the deal from the team. Schefter reported a massive contract offer of six years and nearly $50 million for Harbaugh from Michigan, but Harbaugh reportedly wants to stay in the NFL. Schefter writes that his family and friends have said he should think hard about the deal, but with so many job openings possible in the pros, it could be hard for Harbaugh to leave. On top of that, if Harbaugh wants to wait and see what opens up, it could push Michigan to make a hire before the NFL season ends.
The Raiders need a complete overhaul and they make the most sense, as they are also in the Bay Area and they have draft picks to move after making some trades over the past couple seasons. Harbaugh is going to be a hot name for any team that makes a move and the Raiders or Jets could be the most motivated to hire him once the season ends.
