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 
From Cam Inmans live chat today:
Did you ever get a sense that the rift between Harbaugh and the 49ers had anything to do with Harbaugh wanting more control over the draft and/or salary cap, or do you think the negotiations broke down just over money?
Share
Spitblood
5 hours ago
I’m not of the belief that Harbaugh wanted more control, but rather more money since he is first coach to reach conference finals his first three seasons. A framed sign behind his desk reads: “Just coach the team.” It doesn’t say: “Coach the team, make the roster, sell luxury suites, etc.”
Share
cinman
Lol, so much for Spitty’s bullshit theories. Harbaugh has been pressing for a pay raise since year 2. I think it is important to him to be the highest paid coach and its as simple as that.
Spitwad or someone bitching on Inman that he’s been banned on Kawakami’s site. What a circus.
Right money and I don’t think Jim wants or is suited for GM duties. Pity he doesn’t get along w/ Baalke or whoever.
Its Spitty, whiny asshole.
I mean Spitty is a whiny asshole not you Phil lol.
LOL! Gotcha my friend : )
12th you are right = this team under Jim has shown the ability to bounce back and get on a roll so may not be too late even now. This is a bigger test than any we have faced in Harbaugh era but not surprising given off season turmoil, coaching uncertainty and the failure of a revamped O. But seems like ‘going back to the 2011 post-Alex offense’ Kap ran so brilliantly is doable.
I think the OC outsmarts himself and is not fooling anyone else on D with all the extra wrinkles. Keep it simple, play to QB strengths, junk the stuff that is not working.
Yup.
Yup.
Phil your 6.15 on Skeebs is spot on.
Thanks 12th. Trying to stay focused on the big picture of what’s best/possible for Niners and not get in the ego contests….
Phil I think we all agree, that the sticking point in this mess is, the Offensive production level.
No doubt the loyalty factor Harbaugh has with his Staff is admirable but, divisive.
Adding another member (or more), to an already over-staffed group, likely complicates an already unworkable arrangement IMO.
Don’t dismiss the possibility that Roman could make the whole process easier by stepping down for another position in the off season.
Something he’s been openly lobbying for for the past several years.
Unfortunately NJ I think Fangio gets a real shot at HC with the Niners or elsewhere long before Roman does. I would think even a lateral move would be a win for Roman at this point. If he doesn’t go with Harbaugh, my best guess is its back to the college ranks for him or maybe a RB coach somewhere. Can’t see him as a HC or OC in the NFL next year anyway.
Agree 12th, Roman’s Stock has dropped.
Guessing College would suit Roman, not Harbaugh, if we’re to believe the articles making the rounds.
Yes the slumping O is the issue this season with the sky high expectations as usual. But as we know there are issue beneath the obvious one that are coming up with the losses. These are equally destructive IMO. Plenty of issues here
Why in the name of God the experimenting on O can’t cease and we go back to a simpler O scheme that worked previously is beyond me. Enough with the round peg/square hole business already.
NJ I’m in favor of simplifying the O coaching staff as well as the O = cut the redundant coaches and next year get a couple experts to help OC with the passing game and play calling.
That’s the crux of this mess Phil.
Jim believes Roman and the current system are just fine.
Head, meet Wall.
Repeatedly…….
Simplify the O, fire Roman!
See, simple!
LOL!
I’m in favor of firing everyone and starting over. This season sucks. Damn if I had power, I’d be dangerous!
GRRRRRR!
WOOF!
It’s feeling Nippy in here! Dangerously Nippy!
When guys like Joe, Crabtree and Miller suggest the scheme isn’t fooling anyone and, Sherman knows what’s coming, what’s left but to change it up?
Problem is, we haven’t found another gear.
Only thing I saw that changed against Sherman last week was the WRs running the same routes to his side.
GENIUS or GENEOUS if you’d prefer 😀
I think Harby is playing it off but Jed’s tweet has seriously pissed him off. Good! Harby needed a kick in the ass. Jed even scared the numbers people. Nothing says “I’m tired of this shit” like getting the attention of some passive reporters who don’t understand an owner that hates to lose! But then reporters aren’t exactly competitive in the first place. Most are just passive analysts who side with the players so they can get more interviews.
I’m glad our owner has some balls that most don’t. Jed is a competitor and wants to win. Keep messing with the coach. If he wants to play games show him who is in control. It’s the way it should be. The owner has to show the employees who is in control. Keep it up Jed, the pacifists won’t understand, who cares. You run the team, make sure your employees understand that. Any other attitude will cost you more in the long run than capitulating to a coach who thinks he is bigger than the organization.
Jed knows what the CEO has to do Berger.
Please the shareholders.
Just wish Jim could open his eyes to the reality of the Red Zone being his Dead Zone.
If Jim is pulling a power play on the owner he will lose. He has to for the sake of our team. The inmates cannot run the asylum. It doesn’t work in corporate America and doesn’t work in the military. I can’t work here. I can’t say that is what is happening but that is what we are hearing.
I have to assume Harby knows what he is doing. If he does, and he is pulling a power play, it tells me he doesn’t care if he is here anyway. He thinks 48 wins has given him collateral that an organization can’t afford to cede no matter how many wins he gets. If he wins some titles the owners has to walk on egg shells in a situation like this but still can’t cede control. Harby has no titles with a roster most have said has the most talent in the NFL. Harby needs to worry about his offense. No offense, no titles, no collateral.
I don’t believe Jed is thinking of any shareholders, he is a fiery competitor who wants to win. He reminds me of Eddie D.
True Berger. And I would like him to get off his butt, Jed, and stand up more for the team in public. I do not mean apologies, I mean standing up to media baloney- not after months and months pass then grudgingly saying something. Since most of the media agitation is about Jim this would entail standing up for Jim vocally, publicly. Then kick his ass in private fine. One-two punch may be better than the ‘nothing’ passivity we seem to have now?
This may not be a very popular position on the other blog, dunno. don’t care, whatever…
Phil, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with having an opinion.
Unlike Spit, most of us aren’t here to prove we’re right, just that we’re concerned 9er fans, with something to get off our collective chests.
What fun would it be if we all agreed on everything all the time anyway?
More fun to bounce ideas, and opinions, off each other, to unload some frustration.
Lol yep NJ
Yeah, Jed could be doing a better job verbally quieting some rumors but we don’t know what power plays Harby is pulling behind the scenes. Harby has shown his lack of control of his offense, if the owner does the same with his organization we are in huge trouble in the long run. Do not let the inmates run the asylum. This could be a critical point for the future of our team. Jed must show who is in control. Sometimes that has to be public to shake shit up. Whether Jed is making a mistake or not, he is not showing fear. Go forth kiddo, your mentor Eddie is just a phone call away.
Berger, don’t kid yourself.
Jed has Uncle Eddie’s ear pretty routinely I’d say.
Our Silent Owner likely IS Eddie.
Do you honestly think Eddie D would let Harby pull a power play on him? He’s gone!
There’s $5M attached to Harbaugh next year Berger.
The balancing act becomes paying him to sit it out or, allowing him the leverage to veto a Trade.
Jed’s could fire Roman and have Jim decide whether he wants to remain with another OC forced on him.
I don’t think that’s a wise move personally, as Jim would still be a lame duck Coach, which does nothing for the Locker Room.
That’s what I would do is tell Harbaugh he has to fire Roman. If he doesn’t, Jed/Baalke fires him themselves. Next move is Harbaugh’s. Fill the spot or resign. Owner has shown who is in control. Coach controls the situation or puts his tail between his legs and goes away.
All depends on whether Jim can recoup the final $5M Berger.
I could see Jim saying screw it, just to prevent Baalke from fleecing Picks from the next team for the Trade.
In all likelihood, Jim could leave $5M in Jed’s account and get more from the next team anyway.
Can’t believe it’s come to this but, it really doesn’t surprise me to an extent.
Jim can’t seem to figure out what the rest of the world already sees.
An Offense that fails miserably in the Red Zone with no apparent remedy in sight.
Stubborn is, as stubborn does, I suppose.
If Oakland is the landing spot, maybe a 2 this year and 2 next year could be feasible enough to allow them to make is somewhat amicable?
Not holding my breath for anything amicable at this point in time.
Great win by the Warriors!
Of course I am assuming Harby is pulling a power play because that is what is being said by reporters whom are close to the Bay Area sports scene. Also, the owner apologizes to fans for a team that was obviously not properly prepared for the Seahawks and the coach says at the presser “we will go forward without apologies”. Whether Jed is right or wrong, Harby has picked a fight with the owner. Employees never win feuds with the owners. What competent owner would allow that? It sounds like Harby does not care if he is here.
Should any of us be surprised by Harbaugh’s antics Berger?
He throws fits from the sideline for all the world to see pretty regularly.
Can’t imagine him being very rational behind closed doors when his OC/Offense is being challenged.
The word petulant comes to mind when describing Jim.
True, but I still like Harbaugh. I think he is a winner. Winners win. Just don’t be stupid and try to win a power play with the owner if you want to stay around.
Responded to that point above –
I just believe that Jim doesn’t like being told what to do Berger.
He’s loyal to his Staff yet, myopic enough to ignore his declining Offensive output.
Easy to blame Baalke I guess but, it’s looking as though the players are turning the channel already too.
Anyone catch the story of Baalke trying hire Parcells prior to approaching Harbaugh?
Seems it was revealed via Parcells’ authorized biography.
Interesting.
Always thought highly of The Tuna, except when he was beating my 9ers.
From the book:
“After Baalke secured the job, he quietly tried to lure his first choice for head coach: Bill Parcells. York and Baalke emphasized that although the club had missed the playoffs for eight straight seasons, it contained a talented roster. The 49ers saw Parcells, even at sixty-nine and having been away from the sideline since the 2006 season, as someone who would lead the franchise to the playoffs for at least a couple seasons while sharing Baalke’s vision. But citing his age and the team’s distance from his home base (Jupiter, Fla.), Parcells put an end to any serious discussions. The 49ers turned their attention to the Stanford head coach on so many wish lists.”
So, where’s the line between meddling owner and strong owner? An owner’s vision shouldn’t be in question by delegating authority. It’s only when the lines of authority are blurred by his indecision and waffling that it becomes a question.
It’s essential to have a single source of authority on the team. If it’s going to be the owner he should be fully qualified to make the decisions of that position. John York? No!, Jed York? No! Where’s the first football guy in line?
Many head coaches feel if they are going to be held responsible for the final product they should have the final say on decisions that impact the product.
Some team structures have the GM and HC as equals. A good working relationship is all important to that scenario working well.
Some owners want to micro manage and be involved in every decision. Others prefer to delegate that to the GM, Director of Operations, CEO or HC. Can anyone say for certain what we are dealing with the 49ers?
NoFear49er I’d buy into the GM/HC version of your analogy.
Don’t like Owners being involved with day-to-day operations as most Owners aren’t football saavy enough to be beneficial.
Spare me the Snyders/Jones’ of the business.
Pretty clear that Baalke and Jim are at odds regarding a single vision system IMO.
Not good.
Well, that vision should be the owner’s vision. That way everyone’s pointing in the same direction. And it’s easy to tell who’s not on the right page. Does he even have a vision for the team besides winning and raising seat license fees?
Probably not NoFear49er.
Most Owners are about the record and the fannies in the seats.
It’s business after all.
Problems apparently are centered around the Baalke/Harbaugh dynamic.
Obviously isn’t a good relationship by the looks of it.
If Jed can’t get them to coexist, I’d expect Baalke to carry the Jed vote in the end.
That is a legitimate point. Meddling owner or power play by the coach? I have yet to see Jed meddle so that thought has not been approached yet. The talking heads on CSNBA are saying it is a power struggle between Harbaugh and the FO. I can only assume that is correct as I really can’t factually say what is going on. Right now, from what we are hearing, it seems to me Jim might be forcing his firing so he can go at season’s end and still get paid.
No and those are interesting points. Jed and Trent are battling that out w/ no conclusion yet.
Here’s another point:
Jim will veto any trade anywhere. Why go somewhere – Raiders- and give up picks to SF when by simply being a pain in the ass or just losing 4 more games he forces Jed to fire him? Jimi gets $5 Million Dollars from Jed and is free to sign with anybody for additional millions. No daft picks will be sacrificed to SF from Jim’s new team. Double winner = $5 mi + new contract and bonus of no harm to Raiders. Even if he has to wait a year he’ll be in great demand. Baalke gets screwed, Jed pays and Jimi goes where Ninrs would never send/trade him = Silver and Black baby. Ugh.
Trade? Never going to happen. That’s a Baalke daydream. This will end with firing or a new deal. A lot is riding on making the playoffs. For the Niners. For Jimbo no. He’s holding all the cards and doesn’t have much to worry about. Sit out a year, recruit a staff, do some scouting, rest up, bank $5 MILLION. It’s good to be Jim Harbaugh. Happy now Jed? Lol
Pretty sure Jim, as most, has a contract clause that pays his yearly salary minus what he gets paid if he takes another job.
I hope Harbaugh wins out, yes, that includes Seahawks in Seattle, and gets re-upped for four or five more years AND he keeps Roman.
If nothing else, it’ll serve to show everyone how much all this gossip really means to anyone in the arena.
Exactly lol
I can see a trade happening if the draft picks are low say a 5th rounder and Jed cuts a check for some kind of (bribe) bonus and it’s to the local AFC team.
Phil I was having this discussion here earlier with Berger.
Jim likely won’t do Baalke any favors in terms of Draft Picks for another job.
As NoFear49er suggested, Jim doesn’t make a nickel unless he’s fired.
If he resigns, he likely forfeits his final year’s salary.
Yes, perfect scenario, win out, show improvement with the point production, renegotiate an extension.
Let’s not overlook the QB position in all of this too guys.
There’s blame all around for the failing Offense.
Turning Kaep into a pocket passer isn’t an overnight success by any stretch.
Harbaugh had Luck at Stanford.
Kaep isn’t the same type of QB.
The coach picked the QB and even helped him get a big contract. Anybody protecting the coach should be in for the QB if they are thinking this through. If it is the QB it is the coach.
Hey, I’m not overlooking the QB. Hell, I started there!
Seems Brent Jones shares “my vision” or my version of the team’s offensive woes. Funny the story didn’t find it’s way over here. Not.
I hear that NoFear49er.
You did and I, like you, continue to look for the answers to improve what’s ailing us.
Plays don’t work without the QB 9x out of 10.
If the Coaches can’t fix it I’m not sure what the next answer is?
I think the coaches can fix it, NJ49er. Maybe not in time, though. Point is, it’s not an unusual problem and the panic expressed by some fans hardly fits the situation. Look at KC, for example. They’re sitting at 7-5, too, I think, (is anyone better than 9-3?) and could easily have won another game or too with a different QB. Or the Browns, locked up in that division and no QB, or two QB which equals no QB.
Funny thing is up to a couple of days ago everyone had convinced themselves that the answer was Harbaugh bringing in another coach to help the OC figure out the offense. I thought that idea was pretty absurd, btw. And after reading an opinion by a sportswriter everyone has done a 180 and say we already have too many coaches and need to get rid of some. That gets another absurd from me, btw. Just because coaches have input doesn’t mean they confound the game plan.
Still comes down to blocking and tackling. IOW, players executing the plays. Including the QB.
It’s a media driven business NoFear49er.
Everyone, us included, see the record and wonder why it’s not better.
We vent in places such as this. Helps us cope perhaps?
I do see obvious flaws with Kaep that didn’t seem so apparent last year.
Likely because he’s being asked to function within the pocket so much more.
I truly hope Kaep can work his way through this Pistol to Pocket transition.
I dread the thought of another failed QB selection.
Running QBs face a very tough task in this business, if they can’t absorb the mental aspect of the position.
We’re likely stuck somewhere between the Pistol and Pocket development with Kaep.
Point production is suffering as a result.
He’s got too many ups and downs this year, even with the new WR weapons.
As Seattle did to us, maybe adding a Screen game can help him thwart the down field reads or, beat blitzes more readily?
I seriously don’t know what the crux of this issue is.
Well, it’s a good time to get Oakland. We don’t have a Tre Mason but we should be able to run all day and pass on them as well. Besides, they’ve gone in to the race for the top draft pick now. Maybe not the players, though.
Kaepernick’s had pretty good games against NO and WAS so he’s due another this week. I hate to state the obvious, but if Kaepernick has a good game we win. Against anyone.
Funny you mention Tre Mason.
I was curious as to what we’d have planned for Alphonso Smith.
He or Ellington might provide something in terms of an ‘edge’ guy for us.
Ha! It did seem like Mason came from nowhere, too. But after seeing him play, one wonders why. I think he scored 3 TDs and over 150 yds against OAK. Don’t know about the new guys. Strictly S/T I’d guess.
One of the problems is the CBA’s limit on practice time. Hard to introduce enough new plays, especially timing sensitive ones like screens, to go a new direction. Maybe just work on the few we have now until we run them better.
That’s been another of my many pet peeves regarding new options.
I’d suspect that each week affords several days to perfect a game plan for the upcoming opponent.
Ellington has basically been relegated to PR duties, with little to no contributions on the Offensive side of the plan.
Alphonso was here, released and re-signed recently.
He has been around the block in terms of NFL experience already too.
Both guys offer the speed factor too.
It was Ellington that scored with Gabbert in Denver too, be it scrub time or not.
Kid has good hands and good speed.
Find a play or 2 for him perhaps?
Again, if Kaep isn’t seeing all his options, it basically negates the point entirely.
I do agree with you, perfect something, anything, until you master the timing.
You won’t find a post by me suggesting bringing in an additional OC coach. In the archive from long ago you will find several posts by me saying there are too many inputs into the game plan. They need a single vision OC, from this century scheme wise and all the assistants need to work to that scheme. Roman ain’t it.
My point was they should have brought in a consultant to help advise the coach. Not a decision maker. But that was in the off season. Too late now. Now we are now finding out we have 12 offensive coaches but nobody has control. That can’t be a good thing.