Harbaugh, 49ers' GM Trent Baalke had "some kind of incident"

Submitted by MGomaha on

According to SB Nation blog Niners Nation, Jim Harbaugh and Trent Baalke had an incident a few weeks ago that created an even bigger rift between the two.

"A source told him that Jim Harbaugh and GM Trent Baalke have clashed on occasion, but both felt they could continue working together. That may have changed recently according to Maiocco's source:
 
But that changed a couple weeks ago when an undisclosed incident or series of interactions occurred that irreparably tore at the trust that must exist between a coach and general manager. (The source would not disclose the specifics of the disagreement.)"
 
We know the two have never gotten along, but this is just another report in a long list of things to have happened between Harbaugh and the 49ers management.

redsoxaa

December 3rd, 2014 at 1:59 PM ^

At this point, better label everything not related to Jim Harbuagh as OT.  This is going to be a hard wait for all of us.  God help the athletic department if they blow this hire.

gwkrlghl

December 3rd, 2014 at 5:07 PM ^

Doesn't Harbaugh seem like the guy who, knowing he's not going to be at the job next year, just has fun being a dick to everyone for the last few months of his job? Wouldn't surprise me to find out later that he's basically stopped listening to management at this point

readyourguard

December 3rd, 2014 at 2:18 PM ^

If true, than the 9ers GM is an idiot.  Based on what I've read, Baalke can't stand a bigger ego in the room than his.  Harbs isn't someone whose going to kowtow to anyone other than maybe a respected owner.  I don't see this as a good thing for UofM.  I see it as fuel for Harbs to take another NFL job, with a chance to ram it down the 9ers throat.

 

Tater

December 3rd, 2014 at 3:02 PM ^

Bo referred to Harbaugh as "cocky."  There won't be much argument about that.  

AFAIC, that is exactly what you need out of a QB and a HC.  Harbaugh can back up his ego in the W column.  I am of the Muhammad Ali "It ain't bragging if you can back it up" school.  It's time Michigan got their swagger back "for real."

991GT3

December 3rd, 2014 at 2:24 PM ^

to coach the 49'ers was Parcell and he turned them down. Only then did they go after Harbaugh. In offering the job to Parcell, Baalke told him that though the 49'ers had not made the playoffs in eight years, the team was loaded with talent and an incoming coach would be successful.

Obviously, what harbaugh has done with the 49'ers is not a surprise nor impressive for Baalke.

Moe

December 3rd, 2014 at 2:26 PM ^

They are already starting to make lists for their new coach, and are all convinced that Harbaugh is done there.  In general, they do believe that he will stay in the NFL though. 

charblue.

December 3rd, 2014 at 2:33 PM ^

come to Ann Arbor, the Michigan universe is calling. 

Most media stuff at this point is pointless. We all understand where he stands in SF, and that he is fighting to prove that his coaching style while combustible with pro players and those who challenge him, is not his concern. He only wants to win. And he is a documented winner. If you really want to see this guy up close and personal, understand his resume and what drives him, read about him or Google his many clips on the internet. 

He is a once-divorced father of six, He is a Roman Catholic, He thinks the world of his dad and Bo Schembechler whose wisdom remains at the forefront of his coaching acumen and style. He worked his way up. He didn't land a triple and walk home. He is the football equivalent of a gym rat. He loves to compete. He believes winning is everything -- I mean on every down.

He once gave a qb clinic while HC at San Diego State and he broke the overhead projector he was using to illustrate a point that a quarterback must win on every play -- every play. I mean he broke the overhead making this point, and then they brought out another one. You can Google this .

He has won at every level. He has earned or been considered for the top player awards at his position in both college and pro football, earning the name Captain Comeback while quarterbacking the Indainapolis Colts and nearly leading them to a trip to the Super Bowl against the San Diego Chargers. The Colts were one of the least likely teams to ever make that championship game, and Harbaugh practically willed their competitveness that season with his effort. That is the way he coaches. 

There is this televised gathering of Harbaugh while at Stanford talking to what I presume is a group of donors, alums and parents of players in which he says how lucky their sons are to be at that university through no small effort of their children. I mean he is charming but his commentary is as biting as the remarks which offended many when he was at Stanford and talking about Michigan football academia. He just doesn't care about beig critcal if he is stating what he believes. He has the same intensity and drive as Tom Bradty, and he doesn't apologize for this. 

And the fact that he has won at the NFL level since joining the league only slightly less than Brady and Belichick demonstrates that point. All three have the same type personalities when it comes to focusing on their job -- winning the next challenge. 

The point is, you either buy into what this guy offers or you look elsewhere. Because this guy burns brighter than a thousand Brady Hokes. He will succeed and you can count on it --but at what cost? This guy is the answer to winning is everything and making no excuses for owning that attitude. 

Madonna

December 3rd, 2014 at 2:35 PM ^

Also, please be an accurate rumor. I truly believe the key to Jimmy coming home is his feeling life in the NCAA at his alam mater will be better than the drama of personalities in the NFL. Edit: For some reason this did not post under Mabel Pines above, sorry. I'm sure I clicked reply under her post.

Cordera89

December 3rd, 2014 at 2:37 PM ^

This has gone far enought. Do your actually believe of what the sorces will say. It nonesense. All media is trying to do is stir it up more. 49ners are not having this rift of some kind becaue someone cant get along with. That BS, 49ners are not stupid are letting go there best coach. It will make them look stupid and dumb. michigan need to someone else than Harbaugh he not anwser.

LSAClassOf2000

December 3rd, 2014 at 2:57 PM ^

The link to the full Q&A is here - ARTICLE

It contains some other interesting items, or at least they are Matt Maiocco's interpretation of events anyway. For example:

- In his opinion, Harbaugh is not actively seeking to exit San Francisco, although obviously the current state of things makes it possible.

- Maiocco is of the opinion that Harbaugh would rather stay in the NFL and would rather not share his players with "demanding professors", as he put it. 

This is a perspective straight from the Bay Area, so take it as you will. 

charblue.

December 3rd, 2014 at 5:24 PM ^

One, he started in the pros, then went back to the college ranks. He worked in the pros and also worked in the college ranks. Secondly, he has been a college coach longer than a pro coach.

And, as for whether a coach who inherits players is naturally certain to win and therefore his management is lessened because of this, bespeaks an arrogance that not even a great coach would accept. Bo inherited a great roster which he worked to death and rebuilt in his fashion.

The quarterback who Harbaugh inherited is not the same one he rode to the Super Bowl with. So there is that.

For crying out loud, Harbaugh grew up in a home where his existence was driven by the success of the football team his dad was coaching on in college. That's a lot of experience in dealing with demanding professors over time.

The only delusion of folks in this situation is understanding that Harbaugh is his own man who will decide his future on whatever terms suit him. Offending or bending to the needs of those who act like his accomplishments are the result of their handiwork cut out for him, will push him out the door. He is an asshole at times, but he's an asshole with Michigan Man stamped on his ass. That makes his ass a highly valuable commodity.