Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh jumps to NFL's 49ers

Stanford Coach Jim Harbaugh Joins NFL’s 49ers

Jim Harbaugh, a former NFL quarterback and successful Stanford coach, is making the move to the San Francisco 49ers. A source familiar with the matter confirmed the news to The Associated Press on Friday, speaking on condition of anonymity since the team had not yet made an official statement.

Harbaugh will take the place of recently dismissed coach Mike Singletary. According to ESPN, he is expected to sign a five-year contract worth approximately $25 million.

Press Conference and Team Outlook

The 49ers scheduled an afternoon press conference in San Francisco, though the reason for the timing was not disclosed. Despite the team missing the playoffs for eight straight seasons, Harbaugh accepted the challenge of leading the franchise back to success.

At the same time, Stanford’s star quarterback and Orange Bowl MVP Andrew Luck chose to remain in college for another season, leaving Harbaugh to begin this new chapter without him.

Connection to Bill Walsh

“Harbaugh long admired the late Hall of Fame coach Bill Walsh, one of his mentors, and how Walsh made the successful leap from Stanford to the 49ers.”

Following in Walsh’s footsteps, Harbaugh now faces the task of revitalizing a team eager to return to its former prominence. The 49ers, once picked to win the NFC West, started the season 0–5 — their worst beginning since 1979, when Walsh took over and the team went 2–14.

Author’s Summary

Jim Harbaugh leaves Stanford to lead the struggling San Francisco 49ers, aiming to restore the team’s legacy by following the example of his mentor, Bill Walsh.

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KATU KATU — 2025-11-05

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