Stanford Coach Jim Harbaugh Joins San Francisco 49ers
Jim Harbaugh, a former NFL quarterback and successful Stanford coach, is returning to the league as the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers. According to reports, he is set to sign a five-year contract valued at $25 million.
“Harbaugh, a longtime NFL quarterback, will replace fired coach Mike Singletary,” reported ESPN.
A source familiar with the situation, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the official announcement had not yet been made, confirmed the hiring to The Associated Press on Friday.
The 49ers plan to hold an afternoon press conference in San Francisco, though the team has not provided details about the agenda. Harbaugh’s decision to join the team comes despite the 49ers missing the playoffs for eight consecutive seasons and quarterback Andrew Luck’s choice to stay at Stanford for another year.
“Harbaugh long admired the late Hall of Fame coach Bill Walsh, one of his mentors, and how Walsh made the successful leap from Stanford to the 49ers.”
Now, Harbaugh faces the challenge of rebuilding a proud franchise determined to regain its contender status in the NFL.
Author’s Summary
Stanford’s Jim Harbaugh leaves college football to become head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, aiming to revive the team’s long-lost success and honor his mentor Bill Walsh’s legacy.