As has been customary this season after each 49ers loss, there is renewed speculation that Jim Harbaugh’s job as head coach of the Niners may be more uncertain than San Francisco’s increasingly bleak playoff hopes.
This time, it’s 49ers all-time great Jerry Rice who is stating that Jim Harbaugh’s time with the 49ers organization may be coming to a close. To put it bluntly:
“I think he’s gone.”
Rice cites Harbaugh’s supposed waffling on his desire to stay on as the 49ers head coach and friction between Harbaugh and general manager Trent Baalke as reasons why the 49ers locker room may be quitting on Harbaugh.
Rice has also stated that players he’s talked to in the 49ers locker room are starting to wear a little thin of Harbaugh’s coaching tactics and management style.
“I think there might be a little disconnect between Jim Harbaugh and some of the players. His approach to the game, not being willing to listen to those veteran players. Almost like it’s my way or you’re out the door.”
It would seem unthinkable that the 49ers would let a head coach walk after he was able to get his team to three consecutive conference championship games and one Super Bowl but there have been reports about tensions between Harbaugh and the Niners organization for awhile. More importantly, the 49ers are 4-4 and the chances of the team winning the division are minimal at best (the Cardinals currently sit atop the NFC West at 7-1). Winning tends to cure all but there may not be enough wins left in the season to quiet the “Harbaugh has lost the locker room” chatter that is increasingly springing up as the losses pile on.
Harbaugh is currently in the fourth year of a five year contract with the 49ers.
