SANTA CLARA – Despite being mired in a four-game losing streak, 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said he plans to enjoy the final week of the regular season.
“Football is not fun when you lose, that’s a heartbreaking thing,” Harbaugh said on Monday. “And then there’s a new week, new opportunity and I definitely get happier and happier as that new opportunity approaches. So win the next game, that’s our mindset.”
Harbaugh heads into this week with it being widely considered a foregone conclusion that it will be his final week with the 49ers due to his uneasy relationship with ownership and management. This season has produced a firestorm of internal leaks to reveal dysfunction throughout the organization.
Through it all, Harbaugh has remained silent.
When asked if he had to resist “shooting back,” Harbaugh answered, “That’s a good question. That’s a very good question. The high road’s the only road I know. Let’s keep on that one.”
The next move could belong to Harbaugh, as he must decide whether he wants to pursue the Michigan job or remain in the NFL. The 49ers expect to "end the relationship" with Harbaugh within 24 to 48 hours after the 49ers’ final game, reported Jay Glazer of Fox Sports.
“What will happen will happen and what won’t happen won’t happen,” Harbaugh said. “I work at the pleasure of the organization. I’ll let them have the floor on where I’m at.
"But like the players, like the coaches, we are dedicated to doing our job. Finish what you start. And that’s the mind set."
While it has not been a happy season, Harbaugh was asked about his life outside of football.
“Well, I can answer that,” he said. “I am so proud to report to you that I have the best wife, Sarah Harbaugh, and six wonderful children. And (I’m) proud to report that my future will always be bright with the family that I have.”
Harbaugh declined to speculate on whether this is the final game of his 49ers career. Instead, he spoke about what is known. This is definitely the final game of the season for the 49ers, who have been eliminated from playoff contention.
"We know this is going to be the last week of the season and I’m going to enjoy it," he said. "I’m going to enjoy all the players, enjoy the coaches, enjoy the staff, enjoy all the people in the building that I really love and enjoy being around, trainers and front-office people, the entire organization. Spent time with the scouts who are in town. Just everybody. Enjoying them."
