The Jim Harbaugh era in San Francisco will come to an end next Sunday when the 49ers meet the Arizona Cardinals.
Comcast Sportsnet Bay Area has reported that the team will indeed part ways with the head coach at seasons end.
The move comes after the 49ers fourth straight loss, a 38-35 overtime loss to the San Diego Chargers where the team blew a 14 point fourth quarter lead. The loss was the eighth of the season for a team who was favored to make it to a fourth straight NFC Title game. The loss will also bring the 49ers to no better than a .500 season for the first time under Jim Harbaugh.
Harbaugh is currently in the fourth year of a five-year, $25 million dollar contract. The University of Michigan has reportedly offered Harbaugh a six year, $48 million dollar deal. When the 49ers front office informed Harbaugh of the deal he was reportedly undecided about his coaching future.
If Harbaugh is to remain in the NFL a number of teams will request his services. Those teams include the Oakland Raiders and the Chicago Bears. On Sunday, Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross announced head coach Joe Philbin will return next season.
The 49ers missed the playoffs this season for the first time under Jim Harbaugh. The previous three seasons included to NFC Championship games and a Super Bowl XLVII defeat to the Baltimore Ravens.