Dec. 28--What has seemed inevitable -- San Francisco 49ers Coach Jim Harbaugh to Michigan -- might already be a done deal.
Then again, maybe not.
There were conflicting reports Sunday morning about whether Harbaugh had formally accepted an offer to return to college coaching to take the reins at his alma mater.
Comcast SportsNet Bay Area's Dave Feldman, who went to high school with Harbaugh and remains friends with him, tweeted late Saturday, "Confirmed: Harbaugh to Michigan! Press Conference Tues in Ann Arbor."
But ESPN's Adam Schefter, who also attended Michigan, reported that school officials believe they will land Harbaugh and has been telling recruits that it plans to have a head coach by the middle of the week, but, according to multiple unnamed sources, there is no deal in place yet.
Michigan reportedly has offered Harbaugh a six-year deal worth $48 million.
According to SFGate.com, Harbaugh did not tell his San Francisco players he was leaving when he spoke to them Saturday night in advance of Sunday's game against Arizona, but he did thank them for their support during the team's troubled 7-8 season. In his first three seasons with the 49ers, Harbaugh led them to three consecutive NFC title games and one Super Bowl.
During that span, however, Harbaugh's personality never meshed with those of 49ers owner Jed York and General Manager Trent Baalke.
San Francisco tackle Anthony Davis tweeted Saturday night, "I just looked Harbaugh in his eyes and thanked him for leading us to some of the best times of our lives. Give Respect when it's Due." Davis later added that he'd wished Harbaugh the best "on his next coaching job."
