Tag Archives: Jim Harbaugh

Jeffrey Siegler, NCAA, NFL

Jim Harbaugh Coaching Possibilities for the 2015 Season

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Jim Harbaugh is a part of the select group of people in this world who have the privilege of working where they want to. There is a high demand for a coach like him in all levels of football. He has been very successful in turning a losing team into a winning team. Harbaugh has done this at Stanford from 2007- 2010 and for the 49ers since 2011. Currently there are are a new wave of teams that want him to coach and rebuild their organization.

At this point Harbaugh’s Alma mater, the Michigan Wolverines are making the biggest effort in acquiring him. They have offered him $48 million dollars over six years. The Wolverines haven’t had the success that they have seen in the past, their last bowl win was the 2012 Sugar Bowl. They are one of the few collegiate teams that still hasn’t decided on a coach. Every day they don’t have a coach they are losing recruits to other teams. Harbaugh has shown a lot of interest in the job and some sources are even saying that a deal is already in place and he will be making his announcement to move after the 49ers season comes to a conclusion. Although these sources claims may not be accurate Harbaugh has recently said that he is torn between going to Michigan and staying in the NFL.

Staying in the NFL could have many meanings. He could remain in San Francisco and continue working toward a championship or become the coach of the struggling Raiders or any other of the bottom tier of teams. Many of these teams have the opportunity to draft a franchise quarterback that can be the cornerstone to building a successful team. Harbaugh has done this successfully twice in his past tenures.

There are many advantages and disadvantages to switching to a college program. As I mentioned earlier every single day of the year is important in recruiting high schoolers. Harbaugh doesn’t currently have this responsibility in the NFL. He has a general manager and owner to work on acquiring players. All he has to worry about is coaching on field. In college he would now hold the responsibility of recruiting, coaching, and all other football operation. In some ways this could be something that he likes because he is in the position of fielding a team that he would be coaching. This responsibility requires him to follow all recruiting rules and attend events that boosters attend. Here the school raises the money that they need to run the program.

I think that it will all come down to what is best for him and his family. At this point his family wants him to go home to Michigan where he can be close to everyone and be a part of a familiar organization . It will be hard for him to turn down Michigan’s offer because of this.

NFL, Tyler Englander

Saturday’s NFL Action to Watch

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Eagles at Redskins (4:30 ET, NFL Network)

Preview:

In the first and only edition of Saturday Football this regular season, there are certainly some interesting story lines leading up to both of the games. In the early matchup at 4:30 eastern time on NFL Network, Chip Kelly’s Philadelphia Eagle’s take on Jay Gruden’s Washington Redskins. The Eagles come into this one on the outside looking in as far as the playoffs go after a tough loss to the Dallas Cowboys. The Eagles are trailing the Cowboys in the East by one game as well as the Seahawks and Packers by one game in the wild card standings. The Redskins come into this game with a lot of question marks regarding the futures of both their coach as well as their quarterback, Robert Griffin III. This game is all about pride for the Skins, with former Eagle Desean Jackson going up against the franchise who traded him last off season.

Prediction:

With all the distractions regarding the Redskins as well as the recent struggles, I find it hard to believe that the Skins will have any chance. Also, with the Eagles needing a win and coming off a tough game, I expect them to come out and play one of their best games in a while. I predict the Eagles will win 31-17.

 

Chargers at 49ers (8:25 ET, NFL Network and CBS)

Preview:

The late game features an potentially interesting matchup between the San Diego Chargers and the San Francisco 49ers. Just like the Redskins, the Niners have some distractions regarding their coach, Jim Harbaugh. It has been rumored throughout the season that Harbaugh would be on his way out, but as the season winds down it seems more and more likely that Harbaugh’s firing will become a reality. On the field the Niners have been struggling as well. They scored only seven points last week and with questions regarding the health of their top two running backs, Frank Gore, and Carlos Hyde I find it difficult that their offense will improve against a tough Chargers defense. Speaking of the Chargers, this is a game they need to have to have a chance at making the playoffs. Although this is not an elimination game, if they lose they would be trailing at least three teams heading into their final game against the Chiefs.

Prediction:

The Niners have struggled all season and I don’t see a reason why that would change tonight. The Chargers will come out strong in a game they must have and win by a score of 21-10.