so what is going on with the 49ers?

[Superman]

Just a few years ago they looked like a team that could tie us with Lombardis or even pass us.

Harbaugh seemed to change the entire team around. From middling with a not-so-good team to contenders, he sure seemed like he knew what he was doing. They drafted Kap in the 2nd and let former first round pick Alex Smith go. Then wound up giving Kap a $100/mil contract.

Crabtree was a brash and cocky WR who seemed to love the challenge of CB matchups.

Gore was a stumpy, productive RB who was very dependable.

Their Defense became one of the best.

People on the street gushed over their turnaround with media hitching their sensational bandwagons to the 9ers.

Then injuries hit. Some reports even have Harbaugh as "trade" bait.

http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/article4479721.html

The Dolphins are even rumored to be interested in Harbaugh...despite making a coaching change (again).

Just makes one wonder from afar what is going on, considering Harbaugh was supposed to be one of the best coaches in the league. Now his team is 7-7 and will miss the playoffs.

If he does coach the Dolphins next season, we'd have two Harbaughs in our conference. Belichick, Harbaugh A, Harbaugh B, Reid, Fox...lots of good coaching (to not include Tomlin).

 

[AggieSteel]

Kaep regressing
Pass catchers (WRs + Vernon Davis) not living up to expectations
Injuries and suspensions on defense
Gore getting old

 

[Superman]

but what does that say about Harbaugh? wouldnt a good coach be able to overcome some of those points and even keep Kap from regressing?

 

[Coryea]

Harbaugh and the front office do not get along at all, they were planning on making a coaching change after this season before they went downhill.

 

[SteelBuckeye]

but what does that say about Harbaugh? wouldnt a good coach be able to overcome some of those points and even keep Kap from regressing?

Using the same criteria that one would judge Tomlin under:

Kap regressing is Harbaugh's fault - He failed to motivate him to put in the work required during the off season. He also failed to coach him up.
Pass catchers - See above
Injuries and suspensions - Harbaugh's fault. He obviously must not have them on an above the line free weight program. Plus, he has failed to monitor their behavior away from the facilities.
Gore getting old - Harbaugh's fault because they have failed to draft an adequate replacement prior to this year. Now that they have one, he must not be any good because Gore is still seeing a majority of the snaps.
There are a myriad of other issues with the '9ers, but they are all Harbaugh's fault.

 

[Punxsutawney]

Kaepernick is the biggest problem. It seems like they got the most out of him as they could, as the league has adjusted and is exploiting his weaknesses.

Also, I would imagine an environment where it's largely been assumed since the start of the season that the HC is going to be fired or traded isn't very conducive to winning.

 

[Steelerfreak]

My thoughts.....

Harbaugh is an old school dictatorial kind of coach. With the prima donna modern athlete that gets old in a hurry. In addition they fully committed to Kapernick, and like most of the read option/pistol qb's in this league, after initial success, it is not long before they are caught up with. (Tebow, Kap, Foles, RG3).

He is a very good coach, but he is a better fit for the college game. He can sell the fact he knows how to get your kid to the NFL, and his style wont go bad before the 4 year expiration date.

 

[slashsteel]

That team is having a rough stretch, With D injuries and a QB having issues. It has caused waves.

For me not surprising and I don't blame Harbaugh.

why?

A lot of unpredictable injuries and suspensions.

A QB who scrambles to run more than he scrambles to pass,,

they tend to regress quicker......... (he's the man he's the man...)

JH has a history of winning, I have no doubt if he leaves that he will be successful where he lands.

And the Niners will have bigger issues without him. IMO

Which wouldn't hurt my feelings............

 

[AggieSteel]

but what does that say about Harbaugh? wouldnt a good coach be able to overcome some of those points and even keep Kap from regressing?

It's possible. I don't know because I don't follow the team close enough to be able to glean if it's more coaching or bad players or what. But I will say I think Harbaugh's worst decision in SF was thinking Kaepernick was the guy long term.

 

[Superman]

shouldnt Trent Baalke get some of the blame? i'd think they both saw something they really loved to draft Kap so high when they had Alex Smith, who's proven to be the just as average as Kap.

 

[thesteelcity]

When Kaep took over, they were winnnng. That was a tough situation he had. Alex Smith was a #1 overall pick and was starting to come into his own and then Kaep seemed to inject excitement into the team with his legs. Hairball had to go with the hot hand and at the time, #7 seemed like their future.
Not to mention, all the off-season crap Aldon Smith was doing, injuries, FA losses, I think it all caught up to the 49ers quickly. Their window opened and closed very quickly when they went to the SB.

 

[Superman]

When Kaep took over, they were winnnng. That was a tough situation he had. Alex Smith was a #1 overall pick and was starting to come into his own and then Kaep seemed to inject excitement into the team with his legs. Hairball had to go with the hot hand and at the time, #7 seemed like their future.
Not to mention, all the off-season crap Aldon Smith was doing, injuries, FA losses, I think it all caught up to the 49ers quickly. Their window opened and closed very quickly when they went to the SB.

yeah, the whole Aldon Smith thing is something else. ****** threatens to blow up an AIRPORT and is still drawing a check? that's just insane.

 

[CHam59]

Everything I hear is that Hairball Part Deux doesn't get along with management. He 'rubs people the wrong way" which, I assume, is code for he's an *******. Which is why they tried to trade him to the Browns last offseason.

 

[ark steel]

I assume, is code for he's an *******.

I'd bet that is a certainty. His bro, probably, isn't much better, but seems to be able to get along with management, at least.

 

[Scott T]

part of the Problem is trying to turn a running QB into a pocket passer.

 

[Superman]

part of the Problem is trying to turn a running QB into a pocket passer.

true. I just have to trust that a QB of Harbaugh's intellect would be able to do such a thing and make it prosperous.

 

[stillwright]

part of the Problem is trying to turn a running QB into a pocket passer.

Bingo!!!!!!!!!!! His accuracy has always been an issue.

 

[SteelerFan448]

As several have stated, Harbaugh was thought to be on the way out from the start of the year. That does not make for a good situation for any team.

 

[antdrewjosh]

I see what you did here

 

[Superman]

As several have stated, Harbaugh was thought to be on the way out from the start of the year. That does not make for a good situation for any team.

But... Why? I'd heard speculation that he was/is the next great coach. Shouldn't that fact be considered?

 

[mightyguru]

I said it last year...Craeperdink is not progressing and would likely fail this season. Not the least bit surprised.

 

[Omar10213245]

If he does coach the Dolphins next season, we'd have two Harbaughs in our conference. Belichick, Harbaugh A, Harbaugh B, Reid, Fox...lots of good coaching (to not include Tomlin).

now you're gettin' it!

 

[Steelz]

Using the same criteria that one would judge Tomlin under:

Kap regressing is Harbaugh's fault - He failed to motivate him to put in the work required during the off season. He also failed to coach him up.
Pass catchers - See above
Injuries and suspensions - Harbaugh's fault. He obviously must not have them on an above the line free weight program. Plus, he has failed to monitor their behavior away from the facilities.
Gore getting old - Harbaugh's fault because they have failed to draft an adequate replacement prior to this year. Now that they have one, he must not be any good because Gore is still seeing a majority of the snaps.
There are a myriad of other issues with the '9ers, but they are all Harbaugh's fault.

This ^^^ they wasn't prepared or motivated enough according to our expect analysis here.

 

[jitter77]

I think his attitude is a big problem for players. There is a difference between being hard / old school and an *******. I heard that in camp in various drills he would make the winning side do the extra sprints or work. Does not make any sense. You can be hard on the players, but you have to respect them. I get the impression he does not respect the players / management much.

 

[Steel G]

My thoughts.....

Harbaugh is an old school dictatorial kind of coach. With the prima donna modern athlete that gets old in a hurry. In addition they fully committed to Kapernick, and like most of the read option/pistol qb's in this league, after initial success, it is not long before they are caught up with. (Tebow, Kap, Foles, RG3).

This is my take. They are tied to Kap and Harbaugh's schtick has grown old. That, and they've also been ravaged by injuries this year.