Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh jumps to NFL's 49ers
Jim Harbaugh, a former NFL quarterback and the successful coach of Stanford University, is moving to the NFL without leaving the Bay Area. He has been hired as the new head coach of the San Francisco 49ers.
A source familiar with the situation told The Associated Press on Friday that Harbaugh will replace the recently fired Mike Singletary. The source requested anonymity because the official announcement had not yet been made.
According to ESPN, Harbaugh is expected to sign a five-year contract valued at about $25 million. The 49ers have scheduled a press conference in San Francisco later this afternoon, though no specific reason for the event was given.
Harbaugh chose to make the transition to professional football even though the 49ers have missed the playoffs for eight consecutive seasons and Stanford’s star quarterback Andrew Luck opted to stay in college for another year.
Harbaugh has long admired his mentor, the late Hall of Fame coach Bill Walsh, who also made the successful leap from Stanford to the 49ers. Now it will be Harbaugh’s task to revive a once-proud franchise that is eager to contend for championships again.
"The 49ers were picked to win the NFC West this season, then began 0-5 for their worst start since losing seven straight to begin a 2-14 season in 1979 — Walsh's first year as coach."
Author Summary
Jim Harbaugh leaves Stanford to coach the 49ers, following in Bill Walsh’s footsteps and facing the challenge of restoring the team’s former glory.