Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh jumps to NFL's 49ers

Stanford Coach Jim Harbaugh Joins the San Francisco 49ers

Jim Harbaugh, a former NFL quarterback and the successful head coach of Stanford, is returning to the professional league to lead the San Francisco 49ers. According to a source familiar with the situation, Harbaugh has accepted the position as head coach, replacing the recently dismissed Mike Singletary.

“ESPN reported that Harbaugh is expected to sign a five-year deal worth $25 million.”

The announcement was shared anonymously because the 49ers had not yet made the hiring official. The team scheduled a press conference later that day in San Francisco, though no specific reason for the event was disclosed.

Harbaugh chose to move to the NFL even as Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, the Orange Bowl MVP, decided to remain at Stanford for another season. The 49ers, meanwhile, have gone eight years without a playoff appearance.

Throughout his career, Harbaugh admired the late Hall of Fame coach Bill Walsh, a mentor and an inspiration. Walsh also transitioned successfully from Stanford to the 49ers decades earlier. Now, Harbaugh takes on the challenge of revitalizing a storied franchise eager to reclaim its competitive edge.

Despite being favored to win the NFC West earlier in the season, the 49ers began the year 0-5, marking their worst start since Walsh’s first campaign in 1979 when the team finished 2-14.

Author’s Summary

Jim Harbaugh leaves Stanford to become head coach of the 49ers, following in Bill Walsh’s footsteps and seeking to restore San Francisco’s lost NFL glory.

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KATU KATU — 2025-11-05

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