Updated 12/28 5:28pm PST
Here is San Francisco 49ers CEO Jed York with his statement on the two parties' mutual decision to go their separate ways.
“Jim and I have come to the conclusion that it is in our mutual best interest to move in different directions,” said York. “We thank Jim for bringing a tremendous competitive nature and a great passion for the game to the 49ers. He and his staff restored a winning culture that has been the standard for our franchise throughout its history. Their commitment and hard work resulted in a period of success that should be looked back on proudly by our organization and our fans. We wish Jim and his family all the best.”
Harbaugh had this to say about his four years with the franchise:
“For the last four seasons I have had the great privilege to coach one of the storied franchises in the history of football,” said Harbaugh. “We accomplished many great things together as a team during this period, which is a tribute to the incredible efforts of some of the most dedicated players and coaches in the NFL. I will miss competing alongside this group of players and coaches, I have the utmost respect and admiration for their hard work and support. It has been my honor to share the sideline with these mighty men. I will always appreciate and remember fondly, the passion and support of our Faithful fans, and want to express my particular thanks to them.”
York and 49ers GM Trent Baalke will hold a press conference at 1:00pm PST in the Levi's Stadium auditorium to address today's announcement.
Original Text
The San Francisco 49ers and head coach Jim Harbaugh have decided to break off their partnership based on a mutual agreement, per a source cited by Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network:
The #49ers and Jim Harbaugh are parting ways, source says.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 29, 2014
ESPN's Adam Schefter confirmed the news shortly thereafter:
Jim Harbaugh and 49ers have mutually parted ways, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 29, 2014
According to NBC's Pro Football Talk, it is a mutual dissolution that allows Harbaugh to go wherever he chooses from here on out:
49ers and coach Jim Harbaugh will have a mutual parting, per source. No firing. No resignation. No trade. Free and clear to go anywhere.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) December 29, 2014
Michigan Wolverines officials are reportedly in the Bay Area ready to sign Harbaugh to a NCAA-record six-year, $48 million contract. While all indications seem to point to Harbaugh returning to his alma mater as the program's next head coach, nothing is finalized as of yet.
Stay tuned.
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