NFL: Jim Harbaugh leaves San Francisco 49ers after four years as head coach
Monday 29 December 2014 17:46, UK
The NFL's coaching merry-go-round is underway after the San Francisco 49ers and Jim Harbaugh parted ways.
Harbaugh had been expected to leave the franchise at the end of the season and confirmation arrived shortly after the 20-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday that brought their campaign to an close.
The 49ers missed the playoffs for the first time in four seasons under Harbaugh, finishing the year 8-8 to leave his overall record with the team at 49-22-1, including post-season results.
He led the 49ers to Super Bowl XLVII where they met the Baltimore Ravens, coached by brother John, but they were beaten 34-31.
Harbaugh, who built his coaching career in the college ranks with Stanford, is expected to be named as the next coach of the University of Michigan, his alma mater, later this week.
"This has been the time of my life, (like) that song," Harbaugh said. "I had a lot of fun. It's the relationships that were made along the way. That's what a team is. And I appreciate the fans, the people of the Bay Area, the 49er Faithful. All the good times that we've had.
"I think it's been really good and fantastic. Players, coaches, staff, friends for life."
Harbaugh was the first of what could be a record number of coaches to be released from their contracts with New York Jets chief Rex Ryan also having been fired and Chicago Bears coach Marc Trestman dismissed on what has become known as 'Black Monday' - the Bears have also fired general manager Phil Emery.
Atlanta Falcons coach Mike Smith has also been released after his team failed to make the playoffs on Sunday when they were thrashed 34-3 at home by the Carolina Panthers in a divisional decider.
Watch coverage of the AFC and NFC wildcard round live on Sky Sports 2 - the Carolina Panthers host the Arizona Cardinals in the first game on Saturday from 9:30pm followed by the Baltimore Ravens at the Pittsburgh Steelers.
