gustave ferbert

December 21st, 2014 at 10:41 PM ^

but does it seem like the people in the NFL are beginning to adopt the attitude that if "Michigan wants him so damn bad, they can have him!"?  Especially after the amount of money was disclosed to the national media? 

 

Brian's post earlier today with the quote by Elway.  and now San Fran just throwing in the towel.

93Grad

December 21st, 2014 at 10:41 PM ^

Like every bit of "news" so far in the Harbaugh sweepstakes. This could be good, bad or indifferent. Until he signs on the doted line I choose to treat it all as bad or indifferent.




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michgoblue

December 21st, 2014 at 10:43 PM ^

I read on the Edge of the internet that Balas was apparently less optimistic on some chat this evening and that his optimism seemed to have been "spooked" after talking to a source. Does anyone have any info on this? I don't get the chat transcripts.

Njia

December 21st, 2014 at 10:54 PM ^

Balas is backing away from giving the impression that Harbaugh-to-Michigan is inevitable. He's essentially reiterated the "50/50" likelihood.

Why? Part of it could be the rumor that the Niners will fire Harbaugh outright. That means a NFL team can just sign Harbaugh straight up without giving up draft picks or coughing up a buyout. That would certainly pose a threat.

For a NFL team, this is a business transaction. It probably means that they weren't inclined to give up much (if anything) to sign Harbaugh - not even Oakland. Sure, they'd take him gladly but only if he were free of any non-compete agreements.

But that should also demonstrate to Harbaugh that his value to the NFL only goes so far. He is coveted to be sure, but even so his skills are still viewed as a commodity that can be bought, and everything has its price.

hailhail97

December 21st, 2014 at 10:45 PM ^

The only way a team would give up something for Harbaugh is if they thought he was staying in the NFL. If a team trades a draft pick for Harbaugh and he signs with Michigan that GM would look pretty stupid. Hopefully the NFL GM's all have a little inside info that Harbaugh is Michigan bound.

Phil Brickma

December 21st, 2014 at 11:10 PM ^

Exactly. SF knows he has zero trade value because of the Michigan rumors. Hence, he will be fired after the last game, not held for a potential trade. Bear in mind, SF is ready to be done with this as much as we are. They want to move on and find their next coach.

This isn't really news as much as it is logic playing out.

enlightenedbum

December 21st, 2014 at 10:47 PM ^

Just a tweet and unless he independently has 49er sources, I imagine it traces back to that Glazer report from this morning.

EDIT: Tweet just before that one confirms it.  He's referring to the Glazer report which definitely made it sound like that.

GoBlueTom

December 21st, 2014 at 10:54 PM ^

Some have mention this could be bad for Michigan...Remember NFL teams must follow the Rooney rule and interview an African American which delays the process in some regards for trades(IE Okland wants to trade they first got interview say Teryl Austin, then go to Harbaugh) IMHO this favors Michigan especially if Glazer report is correct he's going to decide 24-48 hrs after season.

1of12MattDamons

December 21st, 2014 at 11:23 PM ^

 

CoachBP6

December 21st, 2014 at 10:58 PM ^

But If he is fired that means any NFL team seeking his services wouldn't have to give SF anything...I think firing him is terrible news, am I seeing this incorrectly?

Stringer Bell

December 21st, 2014 at 11:31 PM ^

I get your caution, but try not to read too much into this.  The 49ers firing him is great for us.  The only other way would be for Harbaugh to flat out resign, which didn't seem likely given that he's the type of guy that would finish out his contract regardless of how bad the working conditions are.

Stringer Bell

December 21st, 2014 at 11:28 PM ^

We might be paying the $5 million SF would owe Harbaugh for firing him.  That's what some think Hackett has been talking about with the SF organization.  This is good news though, literally the only way we couldn't get Harbaugh is if he was traded.  Since it sounds like he's getting fired 24-48 hours after their final game, this is the best way things could've worked out for us.

Perkis-Size Me

December 21st, 2014 at 11:10 PM ^

I don't feel like SF would voluntarily fire him if they believed they could get something out of him as far as compensation goes. He's an extremely hot coaching commodity, and I'd bet several teams would be willing to pay through the nose for him, i.e. the Raiders.

Maybe Harbaugh has just given every indication that he's coming back to Michigan, and SF then has no desire to let this drama play out any further.

Still, though, I will not believe Harbaugh is coming back until I see him at the podium at Schembechler Hall with a copy of his signed contract, stating that he is our coach. Then, and only then, will I rejoice.




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alum96

December 21st, 2014 at 11:00 PM ^

It would indicate to me SF believes it will have no chance at getting compensation because he is not going to be in the NFL.

So yes if Jessica Alba divorcing her hubby to finally be with me is good news, I'd mark this as good news.

Randy Marsh

December 21st, 2014 at 11:05 PM ^

Three things could happen:

1) SF fires him

2) SF trades him

3) JH stays for the last year of his contract

He's obviously not staying, and I don't see how firing him could be terrible news compared to option 2.

Phil Brickma

December 21st, 2014 at 11:07 PM ^

Really, all Balas' tweet is doing is rehashing Jay Glazer's report from earlier in the day. He's simply inferring a trade is virtually impossible. Whatever happens between JH and SF will happen within a couple days after their last game.

This doesn't really change anything on U-M's supposed timeline, but it, hopefully, means buyout talk with SF will go smoothly. Not that I figured that would be an issue for U-M. It's a much bigger headache for NFL teams.

Harbaugh.

alum96

December 21st, 2014 at 11:15 PM ^

I am reading all the worry and of course there is no guarantee but the fact Ross backed away and backstopped a coach with 1 YEAR left on his contract the same evening we hear the 49ers will fire Harbaugh says it all IMO.

Ross would stay in the game if he thought Harbaugh is considering the NFL.  Not as direct competition to UM but if it became clear Harbaugh wanted to stay in the NFL and then reject NCAA Ross would be there waiting.  There was NO REASON for Ross to say he is bringing his coach back tonight when he would wait 10-17 days and make a play for Harbaugh if Harbaugh indicated he wanted to say in the NFL.

The only "negative" to this theory is Harrbaugh has told Ross I want to stay in the NFL but not in Miami.  Which would seem very unlikely.

This is great news.

Fire The Boosters

December 21st, 2014 at 11:17 PM ^

I believe this is the reason UM & The Harbaugh team released the potential contract information to the press.



It was meant to scare away any teams looking to trade for Jim's services. Appears to be a genius move at this point to ensure we get to enjoy the reunion on Jan 1st.



Fingers still crossed!