Hear me out on this: But why Jim Harbaugh? | Page 2

fropwns · 2010-12-29T13:19:51-08:00

I am a football fan, but I do not live in Pac-10 country (SEC West baby, you heard of it? ). So, I have an outsider's appreciation for what Jim Harbaugh has done at Stanford--academic institution that is playing in a premier bowl game? Ok, I am impressed. But is it enough for him to coach the Niners? And I understand that he met and spoke with Bill Walsh, which around these parts is like talking to Jesus, the Burning Bush, the Prophet, the Buddha, Silent Bob, The "Hoff", "Hef", Yoda, and Chuck Norris. But is it enough for him to coach the Niners? And yeah, I remember him as Captain Comeback. I actually liked him when he played for the Colts (drafted by the Bears in 87), I never thought he was great, but good enough to win. A guy that was not hard to like. It seems like to me that we are trying to catch lightning in a bottle twice. Didn't we already try that with Mike Nolan? His father was a 49er head coach, and some, myself included, bought into his son's love for the helmet. That worked out well for us didn't it? Granted, Harbaugh has head coaching experience, but Nolan had NFL experience. I'll let some of you debate that point away. Again--and it really is sad that I have to clarify myself on this, but around these parts, you speak a bad word about a fan favorite and they tie you up by your (censored) and make you listen to recordings of Samuari Mike's greatest hits collection--I have no dislike for the guy. But, are we not doing the same thing by placing all of our collective hopes into the image of Jim Harbaugh? But, instead of a family connection, it is a Bill Walsh one? Hell, is it a niner one: 1. In 1995, he was comeback player of the year with Garrison Hearst 2. His big ten passing efficiency record was broken by Elvis Grbac The following I lifted from wikipedia (as with the above tidbits); no, I don't trust wiki, but for this type of stuff, and on short notice, this is the best I have: San Diego Toreros: 2004 San Diego 7–4 4–1 2nd 2005 San Diego 11–1 4–0 1st 2006 San Diego 11–1 7–0 1st San Diego: 29–6 Stanford Cardinal (Pacific-10 Conference) (2007–present) 2007 Stanford 4–8 3–6 T–7th 2008 Stanford 5–7 4–5 T–6th 2009 Stanford 8–5 6–3 T–2nd L Sun 2010 Stanford 11–1 8–1 2nd Orange &dagger; Stanford: 28–21 21–15 Total: 57–27 Is this enough of a resume to lay the hopes of the next five years or longer on? Again, I have no agenda here, I like the guy, hope to hell if we get him that he wins, and this will probably get merged, but I am curious about why Harbaugh has captured the hearts and minds of many 49ers fans. I can see the Gruden and Holmgren stuff--granted, you can make the Walsh connection to them, but both of them have won in the NFL. But, are we pinning for Harbaugh because we think he is the next Bill Walsh, and if so, isn't that a rather dumb thing to do? EDIT: Here is not HEAR EDIT 2: I can't f*cking spell today: lightning [ Edited by fropwns on Dec 29, 2010 at 13:33:22 ]

Dec 29, 2010 at 1:35 PM

#16

Gavintech
Veteran
Posts: 2,197

Originally posted by boast:
look at the stats you posted....every program he takes over, he turns around. plus, he does a great job at developing the QB position.

this is EXACTLY what the San Francisco 49ers football organization needs right now.

I'm NOT trying to say you're wrong, I ask out of ignorance, but who, aside from Luck, are you referring to?

(and if that's the criteria why not hire Jeff Tedford?)

Dec 29, 2010 at 1:38 PM

#17

fropwns
The Last Fronin
Posts: 27,936

Originally posted by nvninerfan1:
I can understand your reasoning, but isn't the hiring of a HC somewhat of a crapshoot.

When you are able to take "inferior" talent (which means scholars and not just athletes) and beat teams that have "superior Athletes" that has to mean that you know how to develop a game plan.

Am I saying that Harbaugh is the 2nd coming of Christ (or Bill Walsh), no. However, he comes from a family that has been in the coaching business for some time. I say this because one of the reasons that Phillip Rivers has been so successful is that he was coached up. So was Elway, since his father was a Coach.

We have him as a potential candidate, but frankly I am not sure he would sign on with us if his Alma Mater gave him and offer he couldn't refuse.

The difference for me with Harbaugh is that he was an NFL QB, has NFL coaching experience (not a huge amount) and HC coaching experience at two levels in College that have been successful.

Well said. And forgive me for my poor knowledge of Stanford football, but Gerhart and Luck are no scholars, right? I mean, it wasn't just him coaching 'em up; so, he had some help.

Samurai Mike is an NFL HOF, who played, arguably, on the greatest defense ever. Granted, the great counter is that most often great players are not great coaches.

Dec 29, 2010 at 1:40 PM

#18

ninerlifer
Veteran
Posts: 17,237

he inherited a 1-11 Stanford team in '06, and with that team, walked into Southern Cal at their home and upset them. He has put the right players in the right places in his system, and was on the verge of a BCS title berth this year....being that Stanford is in the Bay Area, he is gonna get alot of pub locally. But he is drawing a ton of interest as well from othe NFL teams and other priemeir colleges.

Doesnt hurt to see all the success his brother is having, his brother in law a coach at Indiana (basketball), and their dad was a coach. Coaching is in his blood.

Dec 29, 2010 at 1:40 PM

#19

Schulzy
Veteran
Posts: 2,394

-Pro experience, as a QB and assistant coach
-Offensive mind - has produced 2 of the best college football players in each of the past two seasons in Gerhart and Luck. Runs a offense every 49er fan should be familiar with
-Looks up to Bill Walsh
-His teams are always well coached and don't make mistakes
-Turning around Stanford is harder than turning around the 49ers. Getting that team to the Orange Bowl is some achievement, considering that the admission standards at Stanford prohibit some of the best athletes from going there. It was the Duke of the west until he took over there.

And I would suggest bringing up who you would suggest as HC. Bringing up detractions is nice, but it'd be nice to suggest a HC of your own.

Dec 29, 2010 at 1:43 PM

#20

ninerlifer
Veteran
Posts: 17,237

Originally posted by nvninerfan1:
I can understand your reasoning, but isn't the hiring of a HC somewhat of a crapshoot.

When you are able to take "inferior" talent (which means scholars and not just athletes) and beat teams that have "superior Athletes" that has to mean that you know how to develop a game plan.

Am I saying that Harbaugh is the 2nd coming of Christ (or Bill Walsh), no. However, he comes from a family that has been in the coaching business for some time. I say this because one of the reasons that Phillip Rivers has been so successful is that he was coached up. So was Elway, since his father was a Coach.

We have him as a potential candidate, but frankly I am not sure he would sign on with us if his Alma Mater gave him and offer he couldn't refuse.

The difference for me with Harbaugh is that he was an NFL QB, has NFL coaching experience (not a huge amount) and HC coaching experience at two levels in College that have been successful.

lol beat me to it!

Hey fro what part of the SEC West you live in? I too am here in SEC West territory.

Dec 29, 2010 at 1:46 PM

#21

Joecool
Veteran
Posts: 70,984

Originally posted by ninerlifer:
he inherited a 1-11 Stanford team in '06, and with that team, walked into Southern Cal at their home and upset them. He has put the right players in the right places in his system, and was on the verge of a BCS title berth this year....being that Stanford is in the Bay Area, he is gonna get alot of pub locally. But he is drawing a ton of interest as well from othe NFL teams and other priemeir colleges.

Doesnt hurt to see all the success his brother is having, his brother in law a coach at Indiana (basketball), and their dad was a coach. Coaching is in his blood.

That's the key ingredient: being able to beat teams that you are not supposed to beat. That has GamePlan written all over it.

Dec 29, 2010 at 1:46 PM

#22

SanDiego49er
Veteran
Posts: 52,239

~ Offensive minded.
~ Excellent QB developer.
~ Wins everywhere he goes.
~ Pro experience as a QB. Not a singlecell LB...

~ Innovative strategist.
~ Hottest HC prospect out there.

Don't worry. I doubt we get him anyway. Other teams will offer. He may not want to work for the Yorks.

Dec 29, 2010 at 1:48 PM

#23

49AllTheTime
Veteran
Posts: 72,616

Originally posted by fropwns:
Originally posted by nvninerfan1:
I can understand your reasoning, but isn't the hiring of a HC somewhat of a crapshoot.

When you are able to take "inferior" talent (which means scholars and not just athletes) and beat teams that have "superior Athletes" that has to mean that you know how to develop a game plan.

Am I saying that Harbaugh is the 2nd coming of Christ (or Bill Walsh), no. However, he comes from a family that has been in the coaching business for some time. I say this because one of the reasons that Phillip Rivers has been so successful is that he was coached up. So was Elway, since his father was a Coach.

We have him as a potential candidate, but frankly I am not sure he would sign on with us if his Alma Mater gave him and offer he couldn't refuse.

The difference for me with Harbaugh is that he was an NFL QB, has NFL coaching experience (not a huge amount) and HC coaching experience at two levels in College that have been successful.

Well said. And forgive me for my poor knowledge of Stanford football, but Gerhart and Luck are no scholars, right? I mean, it wasn't just him coaching 'em up; so, he had some help.

Samurai Mike is an NFL HOF, who played, arguably, on the greatest defense ever. Granted, the great counter is that most often great players are not great coaches.

Gerhart graduated early with two degress as a junior (not PE degrees like SEC) and Luck is trying to finish a 5 year degree in 4 some kind of engineering degree.

Dec 29, 2010 at 1:48 PM

#24

boast
Hella Fame
Posts: 156,166

Originally posted by Gavintech:
Originally posted by boast:
look at the stats you posted....every program he takes over, he turns around. plus, he does a great job at developing the QB position.

this is EXACTLY what the San Francisco 49ers football organization needs right now.

I'm NOT trying to say you're wrong, I ask out of ignorance, but who, aside from Luck, are you referring to?

(and if that's the criteria why not hire Jeff Tedford?)

Josh Johnson at San Diego St.

Dec 29, 2010 at 1:49 PM

#25

Rubberneck36
HOF
Posts: 141,822

I will take Marty Mornhenweg. There, I said it. Deal with it.

I think dude will be a good coach. Somebody will hire him and get lucky.

Dec 29, 2010 at 1:52 PM

#26

thedude
Veteran
Posts: 827

I see your point about the salivating over a guy who's never been in this position before in the NFL. There are GREAT coordinators in the NFL who just don't make good coaches, and Harbaugh (despite his NFL experience in a supporting role) may not be as perfect as he's made out to be.

But in my opinion, he's a GREAT fit. He seems to be a well-spoken, natural leader with charisma - that's actually important for a HC. And he obviously knows how to scheme and gameplan, proven by his ability to turn sorry teams around and win from the underdog role. He also seems to be very successful in developing QB's, which is a particular need for us right now. Will it all translate to the NFL? Don't really know, but I'll be really happy if we get to find out.

Dec 29, 2010 at 1:53 PM

#27

boast
Hella Fame
Posts: 156,166

Originally posted by Rubberneck36:
I will take Marty Mornhenweg. There, I said it. Deal with it.

I think dude will be a good coach. Somebody will hire him and get lucky.

god no. he was a terrible OC here. some of the most unimaginative play calling ever! Andy Reid is the brain in Philly.

Dec 29, 2010 at 1:53 PM

#28

LumpiaJeff
Veteran
Posts: 51,513

I always liked the guy regardless of the fact that he spoke to the man himself, Bill Walsh.

The reason I want the guy to coach the 49ers is the way he's turned Stanford around so quickly. The way he runs his offense, being creative with his plays and playcalling despite not running out of a spread system. His style of play fits the personnel that we already have with our team. All his assistants and himself included have experience coaching in the NFL. He's young, a player's coach, and plays above the level of his opponents. Singletary and Nolan always attempted to play at the level of their opponents and not above them.

Harbaugh also knows how to evaluate talent and plays to his players' strengths. I truly hope the FO goes hard for this guy.

Dec 29, 2010 at 1:53 PM

#29

Gavintech
Veteran
Posts: 2,197

Originally posted by boast:
Originally posted by Gavintech:
Originally posted by boast:
look at the stats you posted....every program he takes over, he turns around. plus, he does a great job at developing the QB position.

this is EXACTLY what the San Francisco 49ers football organization needs right now.

I'm NOT trying to say you're wrong, I ask out of ignorance, but who, aside from Luck, are you referring to?

(and if that's the criteria why not hire Jeff Tedford?)

Josh Johnson at San Diego St.

So a guy that hasn't played a down yet in the NFL, and a backup that's completed 77 passes in his three seasons in the NFL? I don't know if that's a track record for doing a great job at developing QB's. That's not to say he can't or won't, I just think that part of his resume is way overblown (at this point).

Dec 29, 2010 at 1:56 PM

#30

boast
Hella Fame
Posts: 156,166

Originally posted by Gavintech:
Originally posted by boast:
Originally posted by Gavintech:
Originally posted by boast:
look at the stats you posted....every program he takes over, he turns around. plus, he does a great job at developing the QB position.

this is EXACTLY what the San Francisco 49ers football organization needs right now.

I'm NOT trying to say you're wrong, I ask out of ignorance, but who, aside from Luck, are you referring to?

(and if that's the criteria why not hire Jeff Tedford?)

Josh Johnson at San Diego St.

So a guy that hasn't played a down yet in the NFL, and a backup that's completed 77 passes in his three seasons in the NFL? I don't know if that's a track record for doing a great job at developing QB's. That's not to say he can't or won't, I just think that part of his resume is way overblown (at this point).

he also had a hand in Rich Gannon's resurgence in Oakland.

[ Edited by boast on Dec 29, 2010 at 13:56:55 ]