The friction between Jim Harbaugh and Trent Baalke has been well documented throughout the 2013 season. The chatter amongst media and fans had begun to fade until reports surfaced at the beginning of the NFL Scouting Combine that the 49ers had been approached by the Cleveland Browns regarding a potential trade involving Harbaugh and draft picks. While the topic may not be one that 49ers fans want to discuss, the friction between Harbaugh and Baalke is actually good news for the team and it's fans.
Through the 2014 season at least.
The tension has turned 2014 into championship or bust for the organization. The last time the environment at 4949 Centennial was this tense and focused heading into a season was 1994. Coming off back to back NFC Championship Game losses at the hands of the Dallas Cowboys and facing a new salary cap, the 49ers led by Eddie DeBartolo, Carmen Policy and George Seifert went all in to rebuild the defense and add a few pieces to the offense with the sole purpose of taking down the Cowboys.
The result was the fifth Super Bowl title for the organization. It is also its last.
Jim Harbaugh heads into 2014 with two years left on the five year deal he signed when he was hired in 2011, but for all intents and purposes this could be his final season on the 49ers sideline.
If the 49ers fail to win the Super Bowl this season it is very likely that Jed York will be forced to make a choice between Harbaugh and Baalke, and if it were to come to that, Baalke should be the choice.
Baalke has put together a roster capable of winning the championship, and while Harbaugh has done a good job of getting them close he has ultimately fallen short. In 2012, the team came up five yards short. To help fix the problems in the red zone Baalke made a move in the offseason to acquire Anquan Boldin, the receiver who made clutch play after clutch play in the red zone throughout the Ravens postseason run.
With a return trip to the Super Bowl on the line in the 2013 NFC Championship Game in Seattle, Harbaugh and his offensive staff called for Boldin to be targeted a grand total of zero times. That is unacceptable.
We saw a similar power struggle take place in Dallas between Jimmy Johnson and Jerry Jones, with Johnson ultimately leaving the Cowboys and Johnson replacing him with Barry Switzer.
While many 49ers fans will point to this as a reason the organization should stand behind Harbaugh, the situations are much different. During his time in Dallas, Johnson was heavily involved in the personnel side of building them into a Super Bowl contender. That's not the case in Santa Clara where Jed York has given Baalke complete control over the final roster.
Also, it's not as though the Cowboys lacked success after Johnson left. In their first two seasons under Switzer, the Cowboys reached the NFC Championship Game and won their third Super Bowl in four seasons. The eventual demise of the team had more to do with being unable to replace an aging core of veterans due to an inept front office led by Jones than the coaching. That would not happen in San Francisco.
If the 49ers were to move forward with Baalke, they would have a solid talent evaluator to continue to bring new talent to the roster and several potential coaching replacements already in the building.
One potential replacement would be current defensive line coach Jim Tomsula. Tomsula has experience as a head coach, having won a championship in NFL Europe before coaching the 49ers to victory in their 2010 season finale after the firing of Mike Singletary. From the outside it would appear that Tomsula would be a breath of fresh air to the front office with a loose style that in many ways resembles the head coach of the 49ers biggest rival up in Seattle.
Will it come to this? Only time will tell. For now, 49ers fans should keep their seat belts fastened and trays in their full upright and locked position. There is sure to be plenty of turbulence on this ride.
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Ed
You still think Baalke is the one to keep after what he's doing to the team in free agency? Makes a heckuva lot of sense to let Whitner walk and replace him with an older Bethea while saving a measly couple million over the life of the contract. And then trading for Blaine Gabbert? Seriously?? Baalke is single-handedly taking the team apart and reconstructing it with cast-off's. Yeah, he's the man, Jack.
Mar 11, 2014 at 2:52 PM
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Gonzola
Thanks for the censorship. I say they both stay, but for another very big reason... Not sure why my comment appeared and then disappeared?! Maybe it is just painfully obvious or perhaps the NFL forced you to remove the post. 49ers (finally) win Super Bowl L with Baalke and Harbaugh both thanks to the NFL allowing it. Start a petition to have the NFL release full game tapes back to the 1990s. The 49ers have to lose the big games (for now) because the NFL pre-determines outcomes and steers games.
Mar 9, 2014 at 5:05 AM
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steve
Wholeheartedly disagree with keeping Baalke over Harbaugh. Look no further than Bill Belichick over the course of his career but especially this past season. He took a very subpar roster and got the most out of it, leading the Pats to a Championship appearance. On the other hand, you can have all the talent in the world and it won't matter one bit if you don't have a coach who can maximize it. Just look at the Niners tenure under Singletary; very similar roster, entirely different results. Great coaches don't grow on trees and their impact is far greater than a GM's. If Baalke and Harbs can't coexist, you extend Harbaugh, pack Baalke's bags, give Harbaugh an increased role in personnel and hire a Director of Player Personnel to collaborate with Harbaugh on the roster.
http://www.ninersnation.com/2014/2/26/5447764/49ers-Jim-Harbaugh-Jed-York-Trent-Baalke-Front-Office-Contract
Mar 6, 2014 at 12:40 PM
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Frank M
Jack,
This Baalke-Harbaugh thing has resembled a media feeding frenzy. We fans get the supposed "deal" the Browns seem to think was on the table is newsworthy. This "feud" as it's been referred to isn't. So what if they don't exactly see eye-to-eye. They're winning...and are once again a legit SB contender. You probably weren't writing about the Niners during Walsh's era...but in addition to being a brilliant GM/head coach, BW was also something of a tyrant. He, Policy, even Eddie D often didn't agree on things. Their commonality was winning. Fast forward to now and it's the same thing...winning. Pls stop this insanity...we fans are much more interested in how this team's building up for another SB run, the new stadium, player profiles, etc. I seriously doubt either Baalke or Harbaugh are going anywhere anytime soon.
Mar 6, 2014 at 3:53 AM
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AZ9er
As in any situation not everyone is going to agree. But they can work together. The GM is important, but so are the coaches. Each are a piece of a bigger puzzle. You can pick at each part. This GM selected Jenkins. Has the 49ers scouting improved? The coaching has been inconsistent. Often, they have stopped running the football. Got too cute with a WR sweep. Called a
play for Crabs in the corner in SB and NFL title game. Both times
he was doubled. Really. Organization to follow is New England.
players ckme and go, coaches come and go, still they seem to be able to find parts that can work together. Even though, they draft near the bottom every year. They don't have to love each other. They just have to work together. Heard Dion and Rice didn't hit it off either. But they won a SB together.
Mar 3, 2014 at 1:45 PM
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Frank M
Flash back to the Walsh era...don't think for a minute there wasn't friction between Bill, Eddie D, Policy and others. Walsh was often frenetic, in some of the same ways Harbaugh is. The difference is he won 3 Lombardi's...his first in his 3rd year at the helm. There wasn't the media feeding frenzy we see today...which contributes mightily to what we're seeing now. Sometimes friction is a good thing...it prompts discussions, can promote good ideas, jettison bad ones, etc. I think there's waaay too much hyperbole and not nearly enough fact. If Harbaugh's so bad, why do his players and coaches want to stay? Just today Ed Donatell signed up for another 2 years...what does that say to you?
Mar 3, 2014 at 11:37 AM
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Ed
You keep saying the success of Stanford since Harbaugh left proves he's expendable. Seriously the most ludicrous leap of logic I've heard in a long time. Shaw may be a good coach but we don't know if he could've built Stanford into the program it is if not for following in JH's footsteps. Their ability to recruit top talent is directly attributable to Harbaugh's success there. You're nuts for thinking Harbaugh is expendable and Baalke is not. Niners don't skip a beat if Baalke is gone tomorrow,
Feb 28, 2014 at 12:54 PM
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Dan
I am tired of people throwing out ad hoc statements like "the tension between Harbaugh and Baalke has been well documented." It hasn't been. Neither Jim nor Trent, nor anyone in the 49ers organization that has actually gone on record has documented any tension. Kawakami wrote an article, citing to nothing concrete and offering no statements from anybody even remotely involved in the organization, that there was tension so now the tension is "well documented"? Please. The Browns trade was first reported as "serious" - until both the owner of the team and Harbaugh went on the record to refute the story. But you and others like you disregard these statements, apparently favoring "unnamed sources" whose statements are never quoted or verified or later supported by on the record statements or facts. May there be tension between two co-workers? It's speculation. Is the tension so great that the situation is untenable? Speculation on top of speculation. Ridiculous journalism. Re-tweeting a tweet does not legitimize the tweet. It just confirms that you have nothing original to say.
Feb 28, 2014 at 12:33 PM
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Marty
Its one thing to beat teams with losing record. Against playoff teams in 2013 the 49ers were 2 & 4.
In three big playoff & SB games the 49ers blew it.
They were close games, 49ers had a chance to win.
One fact will not change, Harbaugh is the only 49er coach who lost a SB.
Am I the only one who looks at Harbaugh on the sidelines thinking he is hurting the team. How can you manage a game or make big critical decisions when you act like him. In my opinion he is the worst game manager HC in the NFC West.
With this roster I total believe the coaching staff has way underachieve. With the starters on offense, why does this team have so many problems scoring TDs & next to last in the NFL with their passing game.
This is all a reflection of the coaching staff.
Let Baalke go, in a very short time 49ers with regress.
Feb 28, 2014 at 10:08 AM
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frank
Time and again you hear a team is not winning because of lack of talent, I would definitely keep baalke over harbaugh. Yes baalke hasnt been able to draft a WR to pair with crab , but he did bring in manningham who help the gaints win a superbowl. You can credit JH for boldin who was instrumental on beating us in the superbowl. The talent was put in front of JH to beat the gaints in NFC title game but he Couldn't design up a play to get a receiver Open. One year and a dynamic QB later we were within five yards of a title he calls 4 pass plays with a run first oriented Offense. JH brought in boldin to help the WR position and doesn't target him in the redzone. JH is known has a QB guru, kaepernick has been on the team 3 years and struggles with progression and feet work in the pocket. JH is a good coach but if given the choice I'll choose baalke.
Feb 27, 2014 at 8:01 PM
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TJ
I don't understand why they just cant work it out, they are both good at what they do they have a super bowl capable team just work together & stop the childish bickering I mean my God!!
Feb 27, 2014 at 7:52 PM
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Mike
Great coaching is the hardest thing to find and Harbaugh is no way easier to replace IMO. Harbaugh turned the organization around with mostly the same personnel. Choice should be easy
Feb 27, 2014 at 5:05 PM
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Dallas Niner Fan
Excuse me? Stanford proves that? First of all there is no comparison between college and the pros ask Steve Spurrier about that. Second who won the Rose Bowl last year? Let's see what the Cardinal does next year. If the niners replace Habaugh next year they are crazy, plain and simple.
Feb 27, 2014 at 4:47 PM
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Dallas Niner Fan
I am tired of hearing that the Niners should let Harbaugh walk, that is the most ludicrous thing I have ever heard. He is the best coach in the league right now and for those idiots who are not happy with him being the coach name one other coach that has gone to 3 NFL championship games in his first 3 years in the league. Other fans in other cities would die for a record like that. I mean, what does the guy have to do to make you people happy? If he has an abrasive personality who cares, "just win baby." Your not trying to win a personality contest here your trying to win football games. The bottom line here is that Ballke is replaceable, Harbaugh is not. Are you kidding me!!! Pay Harbaugh what he wants and move on. Yes, he is that good. Mark my words if he leaves the Niners will go downhill from where they are now. I don't think you really believe this Jack, I just think your trying to stir up the fan base to get more readers and to get more comments. Great strategy I might add.
Feb 27, 2014 at 4:16 PM
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JESS
HOGWASH! BAALKE SHOULD BE THE ONE TO LEAVE!
Feb 27, 2014 at 2:45 PM
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Mike B
I take it you're either selective reading/hearing or I stumped you w/ my response. You first said that JH inherited a different team. Then, I rebuttal your statement by providing names that Singletary, Nolan, and JH both had. Then you only comment on my last sentence that JH is the "second coming to most fans." I don't disagree w/ you, b/c frankly, I think JH is a great coach. You can't just plug in any coach and think we'd get the same results. Just ask Dennis Erickson, Singletary, and Nolan. All 3 had talent, but failed to produce.
Feb 27, 2014 at 2:04 PM
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louie
The time is NOW in the NFL. Or maybe it was last year or the year before. My point is that it is very unlikely a team can keep up a string of NFC championship games longer than the 49ers have. It happened in the blink of an eye and now the whole brain trust realizes it might already be over. (Think about the odds.) So Prince Jed has to figure if the 49ers take a step back for a year or two and re-build for the next run will it /can it include Harbaugh and/ or Baalke. If you try to compare them since Harbaugh was hired, Harbaugh is more valuable than Baalke. But even if Jed agreed with that, how long does he think he can keep Harbaugh happy if Baalke goes?
If I were Jed ( personally $ecure) I would make them work together for one more year and go for it NOW and not care if one or both left in 2015.
Feb 27, 2014 at 1:58 PM
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Richard Bonitz
It's not about Harbaugh being the second coming Jack. He is who he is. But guess who has a winning record against these Super Bowl champ head coaches in three short years: Bill Bellichik, Sean Payton, Pete Caroll, Mike Tomlin, Mike MCCarthy? You don't beat those top line coaches with just talent alone. You better be a top game planner and play caller too.
Feb 27, 2014 at 1:58 PM
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Zryder
I have no doubt in my mind that JH rocks and Baalke Sucks. last two years of his drafts suck or not performing yet. He failed to bring in or draft a good vertical threat WR and that was the difference in losing two championship games and one Superbowl. Baalke is a very bad evaluator of college players. He picked few good players in Free agency thats all. Let Baalke go now and win a Superbowl next year
Feb 27, 2014 at 11:29 AM
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Mike B
A response from your response to me: Let's see, Jim Harbaugh inherited the following players: Justin Smith, Frank Gore, Patrick Willis, Vernon Davis, Alex Smith (to an extent and also turned his career around), Navorro Bowman (was a backup), Ray Macdonald (a backup turned starter from JH's tenure), Iupati, Staley, Dashon Goldson (traded and turned into an All Pro w/ JH). These same players were w/ Singletary, and some w/ Nolan. During the time w/ Singletary, I hear a lot of pundits and media heads saying these same players were not that talented when Singletary and Nolan were around. When JH comes and takes them to 3 NFCCG, they're all of a sudden talented. Need I say more? Also, from the majority of the comments, It seems that most disagree with your article.
Feb 27, 2014 at 10:41 AM
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VaNiner
Winning cures all! Win a Super Bowl and then sort it out. Choosing between Harbaugh or Balke? Ridiculous! Jed York needs to step up. No organization is just one person. Harbaugh would be absolutely lost without Balke finding and replacing talent. If Harbaugh walks even after winning a Super Bowl, the Niner roster is so loaded that a number of veteran high quality winning coaches would jump at the chance to replace Harbaugh. Heck, a Mike Shanahan would be available in 2015 and would jump at a chance to coach this roster. John Gruden is smart enough to avoid the DC like the plague. But, he's love to rub it Oaklands face and win in SF.
Feb 27, 2014 at 10:32 AM
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Big Ken
I am sorry but Jim Harbaugh was instrumental in getting Anquan Boldin to the 49ers, not Baalke. Jim H should get the credit for that trade, not Baalke. Please remember that Baalke is not a blood brother of John Harbaugh who was head coach of Anquan Boldin before he got traded to the 49ers while Jim H is blood brother of John H. The only draft choice really picked by Jim H last season is Eric Reed, who contributed well. However, Baalke drafted 2 injured college players (knowingly would not play for at least the entire last season), so Baalke intentionally or unintentionally underminded Jim H's ability to bring the 49ers to the Super Bowl last season.
Feb 27, 2014 at 10:18 AM
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Richard Bonitz
I should be writing here Hammer instead of you, would make more sense. How can I get this gig? Harbaugh has a track record of picking up dead football programs and organizations, not Baalke. As a talent evaluator Harbaugh is the one that has the established track record too. Isn't he the one that found & mentored the best young quarterback of this generation in Andrew Luck? Isn't he the one that converted a loudmouth mediocre wide receiver into the now best cornerback in the league? Didn't he find dominant offensive linemen for Stanford that have since littered the 1st & 2nd round in the NFL Draft? Poor little Stanford had two legitimate Heisman Trophy finalists in his 4 years there. Harbaugh is the superior talent evaluator. Keep them both but give Harbaugh more control over his roster, THEN judge him if he doesn't win the big one.
Feb 27, 2014 at 10:03 AM
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mike49ersgo
I cannot disagree more..... First off Trent is a very good GM..... But coaching in the NFL plays a HUGE part in sucess... Sure you need all of the parts and it would be great if the two men could figure it out... But coaching trumps GM in this case... The evidence is all around you. Look at the cowboys, look at the niners... look at the Eagles (chip kelly)....
Jim Tomsula is a GREAT line coach, and apparently a great guy but does that translate into GREAT NFL coach, in my humble opinion this is pure recklessness, You going go give up a great NFL coach who gets his players to believe and wins for Jim Tomsula!!... Hey Robert Kraft I got an idea why don't you get rid of Bill Bellicheck for Jim Tomsula!!!?????
Feb 27, 2014 at 9:01 AM
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Lucky Phil
The best move Baalke made was sign Harbaugh. No JH and we wouldn't be building a stadium in Santa Clara we would be filling it with horsesh!t. Before JH we had seven yrs of sh!t with Singleberry and Nowin. I'm not going back to that crap! Baalke should dip JH's turd in platinum gold and nail it to his office wall, frame it, and hold a bible study around it. All JH wants to stay is PAY the man the respect of being the best coach in the league. Give the man a dollar more than any other coach in the league, a lifetime supply of Khaki's from Walmart and a six foot hole at the 50 yrd line after he kicks the bucket. That's It! Stop FucK!ng Around Ballkey
Feb 27, 2014 at 8:54 AM
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Jerry
This issue sure is getting an extraordinary amount of interest. I think it is way over blown. 2 super talented and driven men are getting along. This is not unusual. I think it is up to Jed to be the mediator and work this out so both men can stay. If Jed has any talent this will happen. Talk to getting rid of one or the other is very premature. It s in the best interest of all to work this out.
Feb 27, 2014 at 8:44 AM
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Mike B
WTF?!? Are u kidding?? Baalke over Harbaugh?!? Madness!! Okay, first off, John Harbaugh approached Jim for the Anquan trade. Not baalke. Baalke was the one to figure the logistics of it. Also, dont u remember nolan and singletary?!? Almost same roster but with lesser results. JH turned this organization into championship caliber! JH is wayyyy more important than Baalke. Besides, this whole JH vs Baalke has been blown out of proportion. Media is making it bigger than it really is. Browns offered the trade and niners immediately said no. However, Florio n browns' owner, haslam, make it seem like it was close when it really wasnt.
Feb 27, 2014 at 8:33 AM
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Coop
Maybe we can do a draft day trade involving LMJ, and maybe mind round pick or 2, to go up and grab the pass catcher we want. I'd be all for going up into the teens to fetch Mike Evans should he get that far. His comments about him wanting to jaw at and go up against R. Sherman was awesome. Gotta like a dude with swag. He could even replace Crabtree if for whatever reason we are unable to resign him.
Feb 27, 2014 at 7:14 AM
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Paul
This organization needs to check itself and stop the drama..we can't be the next Cowboys and have everything spiral down...stop the drama and work TOGETHER... BE A TEAM PLAYER and keep working for the Quest for 6.
Feb 27, 2014 at 6:30 AM
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TJ CROOKER
I love baalke.. but ur smokin crack. A winning coach in the NFL is hard to come by let alone the FIRST one to go to 3 div champ games in his 1st 3 yrs. Remember that scott mccloughan guy? He was just as good if not better than baalke, look wut hes doin in seattle. HARBAUGH > BAALKE but theyre both stayin so this is a useless post
Feb 27, 2014 at 6:29 AM
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Scott
So Hammer by looking at your retorts you went Harbaugh gone I assume ?
Feb 27, 2014 at 5:28 AM
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Marty
First in big games, Harbaugh is on the sidelines yelling at refs. All three big games were tough losses. Most would say bad decisions by staff cost the 49ers a chance to win. Even Kaep points fingers at Harbaugh. Calling TO.
Everyone talks about the 49ers roster, one of the best. The OL maybe the best, TE, receivers & RBs are really strong. Than way does this team always struggle on offense. Must have good kicker.
In 2013 the 49ers were like 2 & 4 against playoff teams.
With all these RBs why did 30 years old Gore have 80% of the carries in 2013. In the playoffs Gore was wore out average only 3.2 yards. Still no other RB was used.
I just believe the coaching staff has done a bad job.
My expectations in 2014 are, after three seasons nothing will change.
Feb 27, 2014 at 4:37 AM
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Bob
February in the NFL. Silly season: when a failed attempt to steal a coach by a dysfunctional organization from Cleveland can lead to articles like this. "Well documented" means what in your world. One report that two strong willed people don't always share the same opinion. What other "well documented" reports have their been of serious friction between Harbaugh and Baalke.
I have never seen a story that starts as almost nothing feed itself into a huge story with absolutely zero foundation. Kevin Lynch actually quoted Mike Florio (that giant of journalism) about the "speculation" Florio had been hearing.
If you have nothing else to do but write about this non-story I have one suggestion: get a job or a hobby.
Feb 27, 2014 at 4:36 AM
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Tyler
"With a return trip to the Super Bowl on the line in the 2013 NFC Championship Game in Seattle, Harbaugh and his offensive staff called for Boldin to be targeted a grand total of zero times. That is unacceptable."
WRONG!! BOLDIN CAUGHT a Clutch Touchdown. Check all your facts.
Feb 27, 2014 at 1:52 AM
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Niner
Tomsula? Why not bring back erickson,sing and Nolan. Maybe they can be oc and qb coach! If talent wins who had more probowlers than the 49ers? Isn't that the same team sing had? Hc are worth way more than gms. Now if you said they were bringing in grudin, holmgren, shanahan Kubiak or some other sb coach, I could change my mind about getting rid on Harbaugh.
Feb 26, 2014 at 11:31 PM
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jd
You have NO IDEA what is actually happening between these guys. You are simply piggybacking on all the other idiotic misinformation being spilled by a desperate media that can't stop speculating and making crap up. Why did you write this? You have NO real news to share and no real information. Are you actually a niner fan or someone who is just desperate to blog and be read. Sucks that niner webzone has stooped to this.
Feb 26, 2014 at 11:03 PM
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Solidg2000
Imaginary conflict. No story
Feb 26, 2014 at 10:55 PM
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Richard E Bonitz
Boldin can't stretch the field. So what's your point? Boldin isn't Larry Fitzgerald; he isn't Michael Floyd; he isn't Julio Jones. Those are the type of WRs that can beat the Legion of Doom for the 49ers. We need someone to put pressure on them deep and not let them bottle up Gore. You don't beat them by hoping Boldin out wrestles Sherman. That's how they want you to play. They can just crowd the short routes with a slow receiver like Boldin. So in response to you, your point doesn't make sense.
Feb 26, 2014 at 10:54 PM
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Ry Ry Miguel
Harbaugh should stay, Baalke needs to go. College coaches get to choose their own players and so should professional coaches. How could you draft players that a coach might not want for his system ? A coach knows the types of players that will work in his system. These GM's like to blame these coaches for failing but it is them drafting these busts. What has the 9ers done before Harbaugh got here ? When teams start winning these front office people be feeling themselves a bit to much.
Feb 26, 2014 at 10:22 PM
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Ed
You ask if I was seriously flustered by the back-up QB coming's & going's last season. Since you're talking about who should go or stay I offered that as just an example of some sort of dysfunction. You think that was normal? And you don't think having stability at the back-up QB position is important?. Seriously?? And you actually think Tomsula could replace Harbaugh and have similar results??? Seriously???
Feb 26, 2014 at 10:12 PM
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Ladale
The Owen Marecic comment is very unfair when you consider he was cut by the Browns and brought in only after Bruce Miller struggled with blitz pick up in a 29-3 loss to Seattle. He was brought in because he knew the system, and he did light a fire under Miller. Kind of like me blaming Baalke for not bringing in receiver help when he knew the 9ers had only one healthy proven receiver on its roster, (Boldin) coming into the season. May have won against the Panthers or Saints with one additional weapon and had home field.
Feb 26, 2014 at 10:07 PM
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Ladale
Harbaugh and his staff have been great at getting results and quickly. Baalke was here those previous seasons when the organization couldn't win more than 8 games a season. Also, it can still be said that Scot McCloughan created the ground work for the 9ers success and Baalke is feeding off his frame work. The 2012 draft is more than a black eye for Baalke but a few bruise ribs and a busted lip. I mean if 2013's class of injured Carradine & Lattimore along with the ineffective Vance McDonald don't contribute greatly then there won't even be a debate. Baalke has more to prove than simply his ability to hoard low round draft picks.
Feb 26, 2014 at 9:41 PM
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James R. Bray Sr.
No doubt about it Coach Harbaugh stays and is signed to a ten year contract. Look what he has guided this team since takeing over this team. He is a players coach that understands the players and what needs to be out there on the field. You learn that by being a player yourself. I am with you 100% coach.. Go Niners all the way.
Feb 26, 2014 at 9:38 PM
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ninerempire25
Baalke is the one that needs to go. He's made some pretty bad draft picks on offensive side if the ball.
I believe Harbaugh has a better eye for talent
Feb 26, 2014 at 9:02 PM
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Ed
Harbaugh stays, Baalke waalkes (sorry ;) )
I think Baalke has done a good job overall, but he's also made some bonehead decisions. Not sure who's responsible for the back-up QB carousel last season but that was just dysfunctional.
Harbaugh is the man. Pay him what it takes to keep him here until we get Lombardi's #6 & 7. As a long-time season ticket holder that based his decision to renew when Harbaugh was hired will be seriously PO'd if York f's this up. He is his father's son after all...so anything is possible.
GO NINERS!
Feb 26, 2014 at 8:29 PM
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Chad
Why even write this article? I'm tired of seeing this bs every day. Let it go because neither is going anywhere.
Feb 26, 2014 at 8:07 PM
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cris t
balke should go!!..he has a terrible 2012 draft, and one starter or impact player from 2013 draft. 3 straight NFC championship games later and 1 super bowl game..almost won it!!..
A name to replace TB??.. ERIC DeCosta, Assistant GM from the Ravens!!
Feb 26, 2014 at 8:04 PM
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49er fan
Baalke should be fired, Give Jim the team
Feb 26, 2014 at 8:02 PM
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Richard Bonitz
The 49ers have been one top reciever/punt returner from winning two or 3 Super Bowls since Harbaugh got here. That's not on Harbaugh, that's on Baalke's Matt Millen-esque inability to draft a top WR or pull the trigger when the Browns were offering Josh Gordon. Is trading a #1 and a #2 draft pick for Gordon worth it to get a Lombardi Trophy? Hell yeah! Oh but we have 13 picks, what a great job Baalke is doing, yada yada yada. If 3-4 of those picks make the team this year we'll be lucky.
Everyone is praising Pete Caroll for his coaching skills, yet Pete couldn't deliver a Super Bowl until he was able to draft HIS OWN TYPE OF PLAYERS. It took Pete 4 years to deliver a Lombardi Trophy and he couldn't do it without a big say on personnel decisions. Jim took an underachieving defense, a horrible offense with a bust as a quarterback, with pedestrian receivers and WON IMMEDIATELY! When I see the 49ers play I see Harbaugh's personality WILLING them to win. I don't see them playing like nerdy, bean counting petty Baalke clones.
Feb 26, 2014 at 7:58 PM
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Lucky Phil
Harbaugh. I'll take Baalke's job. Unless TB wants to come back for a home town dickcount.
Feb 26, 2014 at 7:38 PM
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John Lynch
I don't see where there is all that much conflict. Both guys, Harbaugh and Baalke have done well by the 49ers. Last years draft was generally praised by the experts, and Harbaugh has taken the the same team Singleterry couldn't win with to the NFL Championship game three years in a row. This looks like a good match to me.
I understand that Harbaugh would like more power to decide who should be drafted, but Baalke has done a good job listening to his scouting staff and to the coaching staff. This whole controversy seems to be the product of a slow news season between the end of the post season and the beginning of the draft. I like them both and think they both are assets for the 49ers organization.
Feb 26, 2014 at 7:12 PM
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RishikeshA
As much as I'm a Harbaugh fan, Baalke would be the logical choice. Maybe 4 or 5 years is Harbaugh's max, do the 49ers want to extend him now and go through this every year. Harbaugh is one of the 2 or 3 best coaches in the NFL but it seems he does not play well with others.
Feb 26, 2014 at 6:59 PM
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Paul A.
Jack,
These are the best type of flights...All or nothing!
Feb 26, 2014 at 6:43 PM
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Jimmy Bennett
This is a poor article and bad comparison, let me write a rebuttal article to post on the website.
Feb 26, 2014 at 6:32 PM
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Stew Redmon
Harbaugh should stay. Balke is overratted. Look at the last two years of draft picks. AJ Jenkins? Really. Worked out great along with LaMichael James. They got one starter in the 2013 draft. Eric Reid. Not much else.
Feb 26, 2014 at 6:27 PM
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larry coffield
Kaep just needs a receiver, baalke needs a do-over of his terrible draft last year.Why take James, and then say the power game is incompatible with his skills ?
Keep Kaep and get Evans.
Feb 26, 2014 at 6:22 PM
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zach Amin
Harbaugh should stay and 49ers should let go of Baalke ASAP.
Feb 26, 2014 at 6:17 PM