The San Francisco 49ers and head coach Jim Harbaugh today agreed to part ways and team management will hold a news conference Monday at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara to discuss the search for a replacement, the NFL team announced.
The 49ers made the announcement just after 5 p.m. today after the 49ers defeated the Arizona Cardinals 20-17 at Levi’s, winning Harbaugh’s last game and finishing the season at 8-8 without making the playoffs.
Harbaugh is now free to consider coaching opportunities elsewhere, 49ers officials said.
“Jim and I have come to the conclusion that it is in our mutual best interest to move into different directions,” 49ers Chief Executive Officer Jed York said in a prepared statement
“We thank Jim for bringing a tremendous competitive nature and a great passion for the game to the 49ers,” York said. “He and his staff restored a winning culture that has been the standard for our franchise throughout our history.”
Harbaugh, who joined the 49ers on Jan. 7, 2011, said in the statement that, “For the last four seasons I have had the great privilege to coach one of the storied franchises in the history of football.”
“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,” he stated.
“I will miss competing alongside this group of players and coaches, I have the utmost respect and admiration for their hard work and support,” he said.
During his tenure with the 49ers, Harbaugh compiled an overall record of 49-22-1 and 5-3 in post season games, winning two NFC West titles, reaching the NFC Championship game in three consecutive seasons and the Super Bowl in 2013, which the 49ers lost to the Baltimore Ravens, 34-31.
York and 49ers General Manager Trent Baalke will be at the news conference Monday to discuss Harbaugh’s exit and the team’s hunt for a new head coach for the 2015 season, team officials said.
Jeff Burbank, Bay City News
