I’m told the editors at the paper took many of the comments posted here Friday in the wake of The Decision and included them as an item in Saturday’s sports section. The idea was to capture the sense of excitement among the faithful after Harbaugh’s hiring.
Harbaugh: ‘Losing is not an option’
One got the impression the ultra-competitive, tobacco-chewing coach would have rather met the media with his suit off and his feet up in his not-yet-decorated office in Santa Clara. After all, that’s where he was headed after the tape recorders and cameras clicked off.
Competition, not cash, influenced Harbaugh
If the reports are accurate, Harbaugh turned down at least $2 million per year to sign a five-year, $25 million deal with San Francisco. The Dolphins reportedly were offering Harbaugh close to $8 million annually.
Report: 49ers sign Harbaugh
Five days after concluding its eighth straight non-winning season, San Francisco won a high-stakes pursuit for Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh today. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Harbaugh has agreed to a five-year, $25 million deal with the Niners.
Denver out on hunt for Harbaugh
Welcome to Freaky Friday, which began with the news that the pursuit of Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh has become a Bay Area battle between the 49ers and Stanford.
Dolphins out in unpredictable pursuit of Harbaugh
Niners. Broncos. And – oh my – perceived longshot Stanford, suddenly, had shifted into the driver’s seat by Thursday night in the quest to secure the coach who has launched a thousand reports.
McDaniels (!) isn’t interested in Niners
McDaniels, 34, who was fired by the Broncos this season after five wins and one videotaping controversy in his final 20 games, reportedly had misgiving about the Niners’ Big Three: 29-year-old Jed York, two-day GM Trent Baalke and executive vice president Paraag Marathe.
Report: Miami closing in on Harbaugh
This morning, San Jose Mercury News columnist Tim Kawakami, citing an NFL source, tweeted “Indications are that Jim Harbaugh will accept Miami’s huge offer.”
Niners can’t secure Harbaugh
The Dolphins, who still have coach Tony Sparano in place, are reportedly prepared to make Harbaugh the NFL’s highest-paid coach. The Patriots’ Bill Belichick, who earns roughly $7.5 million a year, currently has that distinction.
Where’s Jim Harbaugh?
Harbaugh may, indeed, be here at the Four Seasons meeting with 49ers officials. But I can report with absolute certainty that Harbaugh was not in the lobby of the Four Seasons from 1-3 p.m. today.
Just in case, a look at Hue Jackson
Two years ago, Mike Singletary was in charge of hiring the 49ers new offensive coordinator, a dynamic which, in retrospect, was like enlisting your wife to fix the leaky carburetor while drafting your fantasy football team.
York confident Baalke will find ‘excellent’ coach
“I have had the benefit of watching Trent closely in the recent months and have been very impressed with his knowledge and leadership,” York said in a statement released by the team. “I am confident that Trent will find the 49ers an excellent head coach who will lead us to great success in the coming years.”
Baalke hired; Harbaugh next?
Now, another report suggests the team is closing in on their top head-coaching candidate, Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh. According to the San Jose Mercury News, the 49ers are “likely” to land Harbaugh this week.
Rundown of Harbaugh Watch, Day 1
Of the four other known bidders for Harbaugh’s services – the Broncos, Dolphins, Michigan and his current employer, Stanford – there is a report that Michigan, perceived to be an early favorite, is off the list.
Reports: Niners want to interview Jackson, Fewell
Before you could say “Rooney Rule,” reports surfaced this morning that the 49ers have requested permission from two teams to interview minority head-coaching candidates: Raiders offensive coordinator Hue Jackson and Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell.
Cardinal win; Harbaugh mum
Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh – big surprise – didn’t announce he’s bolting to San Francisco, Denver or Ann Arbor, Mich., after the Cardinal routed Virginia Tech, 40-12, tonight in Miami.
Praise of Tomsula highlights Singletary’s failings
In the aftermath of their 38-7 beatdown of Arizona in Sunday’s season finale, the Niners continued to heap praise on gregarious interim coach Jim Tomsula, who created a looser atmosphere and, his players say, a better team in his seven full days on the job.
Westbrook wants to play, not ‘waste away’
Brian Westbrook, a free-agent-to-be, clearly wants to avoid a repeat of his first season in San Francisco. If not for Frank Gore’s injury, Westbrook, a two-time Pro Bowler who ranks fourth in the NFL in yards from scrimmage since 2004, was on pace to become one of the most decorated sideline decorations in NFL history.
Alex Smith doesn’t rule out a return in 2011
In the aftermath of today’s season-ending 38-7 over Arizona, the embattled Alex Smith addressed his uncertain future for the first time this season. And he didn’t dismiss a possible return to San Francisco.
Steve Young on reconnecting with the 49ers’ legacy
The Steelers, Young said by way of example, have a tradition and legacy they’ve clung to and upheld. What is a Steeler? They know. You know. Now try this: What is a 49er? Who knows?