Jim Harbaugh's Future With 49ers Uncertain
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) Yes, Jim Harbaugh wants to coach the San Francisco 49ers for years to come. No, he doesn't want to discuss a contract extension in a public forum.
Harbaugh twice said he "absolutely" wants to stay put coaching the 49ers for the long haul. The third-year NFL coach signed a $25 million, five-year contract when he left Stanford to take over the 49ers in January 2011. As far as an extension, 49ers CEO Jed York said on KNBR-680 radio this week that he would like to hammer out a new deal for Harbaugh during the offseason.
"When it comes to talk about contracts, I've always felt it's in nobody's best interest to publicly discuss things," Harbaugh said Thursday.
He wouldn't say whether he looks forward to sitting down with York to discuss the future.
Harbaugh earned NFL Coach of the Year honors in his first season of 2011 while leading the 49ers back to the playoffs following an eight-year stretch without a playoff berth or winning record. Last season, the 49ers returned to the Super Bowl for the first time in 18 years. They lost 34-31 to the Baltimore Ravens and his older coaching brother, John.
There has been speculation Texas might pursue Harbaugh to replace Mack Brown.
"In Judge Judy's court, hearsay is not admissible evidence," Harbaugh said. "I watch a lot of Judge Judy."
In addition, when asked Thursday about his relationship with general manager Trent Baalke and any differences in philosophy or thoughts on players, Harbaugh said all was fine between them.
"Good, it's the 49er way," Harbaugh said of working together. "It's the team, the team, the team. Everybody does a little and it adds up to be a lot. Nobody above the team, nobody more important, nobody less important."
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