Jim Harbaugh is returning to Levi's Stadium for the first time since being fired—I mean, mutually parting ways—with the organization following the 2014 season. The San Francisco 49ers hired three different head coaches over the next three years, finally landing with Kyle Shanahan in 2017.
On Sunday, the 49ers are hosting a 10-year reunion for their 2012 team that reached Super Bowl 47. It was an impressive campaign. But, unfortunately, it ended with a loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
The real question is if Harbaugh will wear his trademark black sweatshirt and khakis.
While speaking with reporters before Wednesday's practice, Shanahan didn't know the reunion's details. He was explicitly asked if quarterback Colin Kaepernick would be in attendance. Shanahan wasn't sure. Kaepernick spent all six of his NFL seasons with the 49ers, including his first four with Harbaugh.
"I am coming to the reunion," Harbaugh told The Athletic's Tim Kawakami on Tuesday via a text message. "Looking forward to it."
Harbaugh has been impressed with Shanahan, praising the play-caller's creativity.
"I can tell you this: I like watching their tape, especially on offense," Harbaugh told Kawakami in 2019. "A lot of creative things and kind of on a weekly basis. I enjoy trying to — I wouldn't say steal because, in football, you don't regard it as stealing things. You regard it as doing your homework. I do enjoy that."
Apparently, Harbaugh has a fan in Shanahan too.
"It's awesome to have him back," Shanahan told Kawakami—again, via a text message—on Wednesday. "His teams were some of the toughest to play against. I've always been a big fan of his and have great respect for what he did for the 49ers."
Harbaugh has spent the last eight seasons as Michigan's head coach. His Wolverines are enjoying a perfect 7-0 record this season and are on their bye week.
It sounds like how things ended with CEO Jed York and the 49ers is water under the bridge. Several players from that 2012 squad will join Harbaugh. They will all be honored during the 49ers' Week 7 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Harbaugh won his only meeting with Andy Reid and the Chiefs, a 22-17 victory on October 5, 2014.
