Jim Harbaugh, Niners mutually part

[JonLP24]

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Jim Harbaugh and the 49ers have mutually agreed to part ways, officially ending his star-crossed tenure in San Francisco.

The Niners issued a statement shortly after Sunday's 20-17 season-ending victory over the Arizona Cardinals, confirming their split with Harbaugh and saying that they already have begun their search for another head coach. Niners CEO Jed York and general manager Trent Baalke will hold a news conference at 1 p.m. PT on Monday.

"Jim and I have come to the conclusion that it is in our mutual best interest to move in different directions," York said in the statement. "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."

"This has been the time of my life, [like] that song," Harbaugh said in a 20-minute news conference following the game but before the parting was announced by the team. "I did. I really did. I had a lot of fun. It's the relationships that were made along the way. That's what a team is. And I appreciate the fans, the people of the Bay Area, the 49er Faithful. All the good times that we've had.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/12089645/jim-harbaugh-san-francisco-49ers-mutually-agree-part-ways

So sad to an era defined by great football. Was a big fan of his Stanford teams.

I'll miss him if he doesn't stay in the NFL or return to the Pac but if he decides I wish him success to bring pro style offense to Michigan and return to a top tier of that program.

[ProfessorGAC]

1. Something Really Had To Have Gone Sideways There

One weak season after the prior 3 or 4 years is not the kind of thing coaches get launched over.

I know i'm 2000 miles away so not that plugged in, but there is something more to it than football.

[JonLP24]

2. There were many reports

(though I'm not sure how reliable sports journalism is when it comes to inside locker room information that tells a good story)

that Harbaugh lost the locker room before the season began. After the Dallas game players were publicly laughing off the early reports but when they started to struggle the lost the locker room before the season stories came back.

There may have been some division there with management which is something Auggie would know far more than me about.

[Auggie]

3. It was the usual: a clash of egos and personalities between GM Trent Baalke and Harbaugh

Baalke won ... or lost, depending on how you view it. Now we'll find out if he's as smart as he thinks he is.

As for losing the team, I'll bet it was OC Greg Roman who lost the offense and Harbaugh, naturally, defended his assistant.

Factoring in the injuries and suspensions, NO COACH IN THE HISTORY OF THE NFL could have taken that team to the playoffs. I'm astonished they were in as many games as they were. Really hope the combo of Fangio (DC) and Tomsula (D-Line) can stay. Their coaching was awesome.

[ProfessorGAC]

5. Thanks, Auggie

Jon L was right. You did know.

Now we see if the Bears coach survives the day.

[JonLP24]

7. What about the injuries & suspensions for the Cardinals

The injury & suspension report reads more like a roll call.

Let's see Carson Palmer, Drew Stanton, Andre Ellington, Jonathan Dwyer, Darnell Dockett, Daryl Washington, and John Abraham.

Also Fitzgerald, Calais Campbell, and Tyrann Mathieu missed 2 or more games this season.

Matt Saughnessy missed 8 games which was a blow to their decimated LB corps.

On that note, I never seen my team impacted like injuries & suspensions and still win that many games. Hell, I never seen a healthy squad win that many games.

[Auggie]

8. Better back-ups? Easier schedule? Luck?

Can't say what the hell happened to the 49ers/Kaepernick's mindset either ... why Gore was getting fewer touches and why Kaepernick regressed. Greg Roman might have changed the offense.

Cards have been amazing.

[joeybee12]

4. Yeah, usually you chalk it up to just a bad year after such previous success...

I also thought Harbaugh was kind of a douchebag, but SF will regret this...they're going to return to their years of oblivion prior to his arrival.

[Auggie]

6. There are going to be big changes on the roster. 49ers will need smart leadership & coaching.