After a lot of guessing on what he would do, near interceptions by the Miami Dolphins, Stanford Cardinal and even the Denver Broncos, Jim Harbaugh finally made his choice.
He will coach the San Francisco 49ers. Harbaugh has agreed to a 5-year deal worth $25 million according to ESPN. The 49ers will hold a 3:30 p.m. press conference at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco to introduce Jim Harbaugh as their 18th head coach.
Harbaugh interviewed with the 49ers on Wednesday. On Wednesday evening, the Miami Dolphins flew into the Bay Area to make their pitch to Harbaugh but eventually bowed out of the race yesterday. Harbaugh met with the Stanford Cardinal this morning as they made a pitch to keep the head coach that led their team to a 12-1 record and Orange Bowl victory. The Denver Broncos also requested an interview before bowing out of the race today.
According to Matt Barrows on the Sacramento Bee, "Harbaugh is expected to bring much of his coaching staff from Stanford, including defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, who has 23 years of NFL experience."
Harbaugh's salary puts him at the level of coaches like Jack Del Rio and Lovie Smith, who both make about $5 million a year.
Barrows: Niners win Harbaugh sweepstakes; Coach to sign five-year deal
Maiocco: 49ers announce press conference -- Harbaugh hired
ESPN: Jim Harbaugh, 49ers agree
NFL.com: Niners have their man, hiring Harbaugh away from Stanford