Funny thing is, for all the turmoil and angst, the 49ers are one game out of the hunt. Beat the Raiders, and Hawks (right) and all is good. I mean really, all we have to do is pass Dallas or Deetroit. If we somehow beat Seattle, our life will be good.
Then again, who am I kidding? The Niners could barely beat the Giants, and they promptly lost to Jacksonville. The Niners put up a paltry 16 on the Skins, and Indy dropped a 49 spot on them. The lowly Rams dropped 52 on the Raiders so we should get about 9.
Shit, I don’t know. If this team was middle-of-the-road offensively, we’d be 9-3. As it is we are teetering on the brink of losing our head coach, among other staff members. Is it the right path? Well, seeing as this was the make-or-break year for Harbaugh, and he’s played his part in this charade as well, I think he’s as good as gone. Barring some kind of majic offensive mojo turnaround.
Harbaugh did give his blessing to Roman’s play calling for the rest of the year, so it looks like we go 9-7 and miss the playoffs.
Forty Niners Forever 
Jimi may be gone but the dysfunctional Baalke/Jed duo will continue to do its damage on the next winning coach.
I still haven’t heard what dysfunction Jimi brings to the Niner table. He’s got a better W-L record than Walsh and has an owner like BW who cannot abide a winning coach.
Pathetic
Phil the dysfunction is an anemic Offense.
He’s lost ground to Seattle too.
IMO, he’s maxed out the creativity card.
Run the table, pull a rabbit out of the fire and, maybe, we’ll have a different ending to the story to tell.
I’m in it for life.
Dealt with all the rest of the 9er history to date, so all I can do is stick around and hope for the best in a bad situation.
If Walsh won a SB every year Eddie would have laid off and they wouldn’t have had a conflicted relationship ending in Walsh quitting. Some want to narrow the discussion to what Jim has failed to do so far and discount what he’s superbly accomplished already. Like Jed who instead of supporting his HC as many have detailed bitches only on what the failings are. Does anyone have evidence of Jed supporting Jimi publicly? How about answers to my questions:
Do you agree it would have been far wiser for Jed to side with neither HC or GM? Or that this siding and splitting the team is not on Jed?
So Jed is not a football guy and his influence and Baalke’s on him is negligible? 48 wins are not the point going forward? Holy smokes!
No Eddie drove Walsh off, York drove Mooch off and innocent Jed is working on coach #3. Driving off winning coaches is the family way in Ninerland. How is this any different?
(edited from last thread)
NJ you keep Harbaugh and negotiate about reducing the # of O coaches + get some consultants Jimi and GRo like who will help with getting O up to speed. This should be tried next year.
Jed also needs to tell Baalke to cooperate w/ Harbaugh and knock of the turf war/power struggle/ Or else. He does not then fire him and get Mike Lombardi or whoever Jim wants as GM.
Then the Niners suck on O next year you are done with James Harbaugh.
Phil I think that’s exactly what’s being dissected right now.
Typically, teams don’t make a habit of allowing a HC to enter a lame duck season.
Speculation has it that Roman needs to change the formula.
Jim seems stuck on Roman and his current Coaches of course.
If they can’t find common ground, I’m not sure they’d enter a lame duck season.
If this season fails.
Roman could resign too.
Anything is possible at this point.
BTW Phil,
I do recall Jed going to bat for Harbaugh earlier this year if I’m not mistaken.
Not sure if was in response to the Baalke/Jim/Cleveland episode but, Jed did go public in defense of Jim for something reported via the national media.
“Typically, teams don’t make a habit of allowing a HC to enter a lame duck season.
Speculation has it that Roman needs to change the formula.”
NJ with these 2 (or 3) hardheads going at it I can easily see Jimi saying “Fire me if you dare; thanks for the $5 mil; okay coaches follow me”. Now that’s leverage and could easily result in an atypical 5th year to finish the contract.
No doubt GRo needs help as OC, then dump half the remaining coaches while adding quality control or consultants to install an actual coherent passing game.
BTW I have never ever advocated for Jim to be the GM
I know Phil, I think it’s assumed Jim wants/wanted more control.
How much?
Who’s to know?
It’s been a curious relationship.
Let’s hope cooler heads prevail.
There have been comments, from Baalke and Harbaugh, suggesting they’re all in it together.
Given that simple admission, I’d have to assume, Jed could have been instrumental in having that message delivered for public consumption, for the good of the franchise.
Jed is the CEO, he answers to the investors.
The rest is all about internal relationships, trying to sort out the details and, delivering a winner.
It’s all about scoring points for me.
Fix that and I think we’ll see happier players, Coaches, Owner and fans.
I’ve been of the opinion that it’s more on Jim wanting to stay, than Jed trying to force him out, as extensions apparently have been offered.
There’s an issue preventing that from happening of course.
What it is, we may never know.
Jim is a players Coach.
Good and bad results come from that, which could have created a rift with Baalke.
Comments about retaining Moss, Goldson and Whitner come to mind.
When aging guys start asking for higher Contract numbers, decisions, tough ones, have to be made.
Many felt that our Secondary was going to cost us dearly after the wholesale changes were made last off season.
To this point, they’ve held up reasonably well, all things considered.
I’d have to put that credit on both Baalke and the Defensive Coaching.
We honestly don’t know how much involvement Harbaugh had in those decisions either.
Each guy brings his own set of values to the overall welfare of the roster.
The full interview in the locker from Miller, its a video:
http://www.49ers.com/video/videos/Bruce-Miller-Have-to-Keep-Evolving-as-a-Group/c9a2ac74-b814-4385-bb6c-c5dac69641cf?adbid=10152411383386875&adbpl=fb&adbpr=112852666874&campaign=social_20141202_36536587
With this offense, 49ers are DOOMED. Season over…… Kaput. Over and out.
I’m glad Jed is thinking of us fans. We needed an apology for the recent offensive performances. The coaches and players are paid enough I can’t feel sorry for them.
It has been widely reported for years now that Harbaugh wears out his welcome in about 4 years wherever he goes. I’m not saying it is true, it is just what has been said. I’m still in favor of keeping Harbaugh if he can fix the “dumb schemes” offense. I’m not the most confident person that can be done with Roman in the picture.
From Kawakami:
“And it’s about York’s own frustrations with Harbaugh and Harbaugh’s expensive and unwieldy offensive staff, led by coordinator Greg Roman.My understanding is that Harbaugh knows that York and Baalke want Roman out, but has refused to make that move and will continue to refuse.Stalemate, for now.”
I figure that’s what it boils down to as far as the straw that breaks the camels back.
I wish we had more info on these confidential negotiations but all we can go on are second or third hand speculations. I doubt ‘any’ offer has been made to Hendrix because fundamental issues are not agreed upon, evidently = $, duties, incentives, responsibilities, control.
But yes Jed snapped something about “He’s my coach period, any other questions?” after 3 months of increasingly annoying carping by Dion Sanders and buddies at NFL Network. Great support Jed, don’t blow yourself out expressing appreciation for your first winning coach since your Dad dumped Mooch. Try to make at least a pretense of gratitude will you? Thanks.
Bergs I don’t seem to recall any apologies from Jed or his Dad for hiring this line up of losers:
Erickson, Nolan, Singletary and 8 wasted years trying follow their teams. But now we ‘need’ apologies? Not I. I want my 8 years back!
Phil, Harbaugh and Jed/Baalke have negotiated 3 times, that is first hand from the FO. The third time was before this season began and no agreement was made. Both parties agreed to try again after this season although that looks unlikely at this point.
My own thought is Harbaugh bet on himself, much like Kap did, and expected to have even more leverage based on another great season. Regardless of this seasons outcome that bet didn’t pan out but that is pure speculation on my part.
As an aside, watching Spitty post as at least 4 people blogging to each other on Kawakami’s article is hsterical, what a dummy.
Lol didn’t catch that re: the Spitwad.
Well yes, negotiations are all talk until agreement is reached which is why I said I bet “No offer made”. Just a guess.
Yes if it’s true Jimi tried to and Kap made deals betting on themselves that didn’t work this year…so far
Now he’s bitching on Inman that Kawakami banned him for being a rabble rouser. God that’s rich
Lots of shit being heaped on Jed but he gave Harbaugh a blank check to pick his staff which on O is 12 guys including an ex DC/HC as tight ends coach, the largest staff in the NFL with very little return. That’s crazy. From my perspective Harbaugh has everything at his disposal, how he uses it is his affair.
Another take: Niners talked trade with the Browns last year for a couple of 3rd rounders. Given that Harbaugh and the FO have not been able to agree again on his contract extension, something Harbaugh has been pushing since year 2 of his 5 year contract, maybe that was the right plan of action since it now looks to be ending anyway? Incidentally I think both Harbaugh and the FO were involved in that together.
Chatter about giving equality for Baalke and Harbaugh. Power structure is Baalke is Harbaughs boss and Baalke hired him.
Baalke is in danger too? I don’t see it. Skeebs slams Baalke in his latest piece but not long ago was praising Baalke for all the young/rookie players on the team (22 I think)
Baalke whiffed on 1 draft badly and so far can’t draft or coaching can’t coach WR. Other than that he has been money. Example would be look at the well coached players on D.
Does Harbaugh get credit for the outstanding D? In short no, Fangio and his staff, all 6 of them do.
Harbaugh needs to dump Roman but is too stubborn and prideful.
Word!
“IF” Fangio walks out with Harbaugh you’ll be giving Jimi a little more credit for the D I’m guessing 12th
2 things Phil,
first, Fangio is under contract to the 49ers not Harbaugh, he can’t walk without their blessing. It may come to that if Fangio is passed over by someone else to become the next HC if that all comes to pass.
Second, if by giving Harbaugh credit for the D you mean he chose Fangio to run it then yes I give him 100% credit for that move. If you mean Harbaugh should get credit for running the D or it’s game by game play I would say Harbaugh has little credit due. Fangio runs his D his way.
I believe Vic’s contract was extended to coincide with Jimi’s when he got the raise. Believe they both expire after next year so I was assuming Jimbo coaches one more glorious year @ Niners…then Fangio walks too.
Yes Jim gets credit for getting ‘most’ of the coaches but not their actual accomplishments game day
Ah I see. I was laboring under the notion that Harbaugh will not finish his 5th year although I hope he does.
Phil- I understand the horror of losing a big time winning record coach but what is the difference between 7-9 and 10-6 if you don’t win a Super Bowl. To most it is huge, for me there is no difference if I don’t have the confidence we can win it the next year. In fact, I’d rather have the better draft pick and go 7-9. I do not have any confidence a Roman offense will ever win a Super Bowl without an historic defense. If Harby doesn’t want him to go then I want Harby to go. For me it is all about the Super Bowl wins. I guess I side with Jed and Trent on this one if what I am reading is correct.
Berger that’s a marketing slogan not a realistic point of view. No team ever wins the SB every year. Difference is 10-6 is a lot more entertaining that 7-9. At least for me.
Me too.
But you’re not going to pay him $5 mil to get lost and take the coaches with him Bergs! So while winning 48+ games in 4 years seems mediocre to some I still think he’ll be back because he’s got so much leverage and does indeed give us the best chance of winning the most next year
Don’t get me wrong Phil, I don’t want Harby gone. But I want Roman so gone that for me it is if Roman stays they can both go. I don’t expect to win a SB every year but with 48 wins in 4 seasons there should be at least one. Now the offense looks worse than ever with the same players except an upgrade at WR and the players calling out the schemes en mass. What’s a going on? Sounds like the run might have gone it’s course and time for a change. We shall soon see.
Regardless of who is right, one thing I learned a long time ago is when there is a power struggle between owner and employee, the owner always wins.
I liked your idea of HC/OC getting humble and importing some actual expertise to fix the passing game and play calling as did Warriors. This situation is different and maybe it won’t work but lose some redundant coaches and get some consultants to help run the flow of play calling for GRo.
I agree GRo and Jimi are a unit and won’t split. It will be interesting to see if this will work if attempted. I expect it would and would be better than wholesale changes in coaching.
JMHO and preference
12th good points. I think Baalke stays but Jim gets more say in whatever while cutting back the # of O coaches. And getting serious help for the OC in passing game. Assuming he doesn’t hike (fired) with with the $5 mil and Fangio. Got to give Harbaugh credit for bringing Vic in I think.
Hey is that bozo still alive? Yeah I knew it. lol
Harby gone could be bad for Kap but we need someone to take control of the offense. No one is in control of the offense. That in itself is bad for a QB.
My take is its sad. Harbaugh was the right coach for the right team at the right time and his record speaks for itself. Roman has been the weak link as far as I’m concerned and I wish Harbaugh would have done something more than keep “evaluating” the O situation.
That has been Harbaughs biggest failing, not making the tough decision. Tough to fire a friend and trusted ally and in some ways admirable he refuses to but in the end his job is to do the best for the team and in that regard I think he has failed and now it likely hurts everyone concerned except Harbaugh himself who will land on his feet due to his historic coaching record. Selfish.
Roman comes out of this with a tarnished reputation, the team takes a huge risk letting Harbaugh go and hoping the next guy really can do as well with the same players (doubtful) and either Fangio or Tomsula will at the least be disgruntled if not gone.
These players have been good enough to win a SB all 4 years of Harbaughs tenure and have come damn close 3 times. Bad luck, poor O scheme, young QB etc have all played a hand in why there are still 5 Lombardis not 6.
I just don’t see a way forward without Harbaugh swallowing a little pride and reworking the O staff and I think hell freezes over before that happens.
Yup. I don’t see any outcome where the coaching staff rains intact. I’ve been calling for Romans head for a while now. I don’t get why the guy closest to the situation doesn’t see the problem.
Well said 12. Harbaugh’s greatest gift, hard nosed persistence, is bringing about a situation where something has to give. FO gave him ‘everything’ on his wish list but w/GRo as OC it flopped so now what?
Sad indeed.
Talking of Harbaugh and Kap betting on themselves. Kap has a de-escalation clause in his contract that will almost certainly be triggered as the only chance he has left is a SB appearance. Kap will lose $2,000,000
Think he wishes he let real agents handle his contract? Headshaker.
Yeah he swallowed the koolaide and how did that work out? FO is too sharp for amateurs to deal with.
Paraag is one heck of a deal maker Phil, as you say, too sharp by half. I hope Kap doesn’t become disgruntled as a result, something I wrote at the time.
I still listen to KNBR 680 on Monday nights and Brent Jones does an analysis of the game. His Daughter wanted to talk but he would not let her. Anyway Brent said the Niners need to go back to a simplified offense. Call the plays they called when Kaep took over for A Smith. Throw in more Read options. give the ball to Gore more. Just simplify it all. for Kaep.
Agree. Harbaugh has created a dinosaur O with way too many moving parts. Simplify so everybody on O can understand it and work together to move the ball.
I wonder if it is too late for that?
I don’t think it is Phil I really don’t. Not to say I think they can run the table but 3 out of 4 look possible and with luck it is still enough.
The whole offense is struggling, not just Kap.
I was just in the car listening to a national sports show (Dan Lebetard) and people were asking Peter King some football questions. Someone called and asked if Kap isn’t doing better under Harbaugh who is supposed to be a QB guru, what is going on. King answered that if Kap was under Arians he’d be doing great. Another caller asked why Roman isn’t taking a lot of criticism. King answered that he is getting murdered in the Bay Area.
At lunch I saw a man with a 49ers hat on so I said hi. He asked if we were going to win this week. I said I hope so but the only thing I care about is firing Roman, he lit up and said, YES that’s what we need! It looked like I brightened up his day!