It’s readily apparent that Jim Harbaugh’s days are numbered with the San Francisco 49ers. The embattled head coach will likely clear out his office late this month and not look back.
This has been reported time and time again throughout what is becoming a highly dramatic and highly publicized situation in Santa Clara.
Once Harbaugh does depart, the focus then turns to who San Francisco chooses to right what seems to be a sinking ship.
According to ESPN Insider Chris Mortensen, the type of coach San Francisco is looking as a potential replacement for Harbaugh is two-fold.
A young coach with an offensive mind (h/t Pro Football Talk).
Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio suggests one specific name, Josh McDaniels, could be an option. And while that does make some sense, it’s important to note that McDaniels last coaching gig with the Denver Broncos didn’t go too swimmingly. He appeared to be completely over his head at times, which prompted him to be fired a little more than midway through his second season as the team’s head coach.
McDaniels has since repaired his image as the New England Patriots offensive coordinator, but San Francisco has to be weary about his history. A history that includes bombing out as a head coach after showing flashes of brilliance with Tom Brady and Co. in New England.
Current Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase is another option should San Francisco look in this direction. Then again, there could be some concern that Peyton Manning actually runs that offense and has since former coordinator Mike McCoy left to be the San Diego Chargers head coach prior to last season.
Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Hue Jackson is yet another option. He was bandied about prior to San Francisco hiring Harbaugh in 2011.
Either way you put it, this new information has to be puzzling to fans in Northern California. The criteria involved in this report seems to suggest that San Francisco wants to find a young version of Jim Harbaugh. A version that the front office can get along with.
If that’s the case, the team should be kicking itself for failing to overcome what might potentially be a clash of the egos.
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