The San Francisco 49ers are underperforming this season, creating speculation that the Niners will eventually part ways with coach Jim Harbaugh.
But while the 49ers are on the verge of missing the playoffs after reaching the NFC finals last season, reports indicated that Harbaugh's fate will not be decided this season.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Harbaugh will likely remain at the helm for the remainder of the season with sources also saying that the embattled coach might eventually get a contract extension if the 49ers manage to turn the table around in their remaining games.
"If the 49ers can pull off a 4-0 finish to the regular season and make a run in the postseason that some in the organization are still convinced is possible, Harbaugh could land a contract extension," Schefter wrote. "He will have one year remaining on his existing deal but has already rebuffed extension offers."
But in the event the 49ers decide to go into a different direction and part ways with Harbaugh, the 50-year-old coach is not expected to remain jobless as several teams have already expressed interest in acquiring him via trade this season.
Sources indicated that the Oakland Raiders and New York Jets are expected to inquire about Harbaugh's availability in trade. If the 49ers entertain trade offers for their coach, the Raiders are allegedly the favorite to land a deal for Harbaugh.
Last season, several teams also expressed interest in trading for Harbaugh, including the Cleveland Browns, who almost struck a deal to acquire the 49ers coach.
When asked about his future in San Francisco, Harbaugh, who has one year left in his five-year, $25 million deal with the 49ers, reiterated that he is not yet thinking about his future.
Harbaugh, who is also being linked to several collegiate teams, insisted that he is focused on their campaign this season, considering the fact that they still have a chance to advance to the playoffs if they will finish strong in their remaining four games.
"I'm not going to speculate," Harbaugh said via CSN Bay Area. "It's our job to move on without excuse, without apology and get it right, make it right. That's our intention. I don't worry about my future. I don't participate in any of that speculation. I think I have a recessive gene in worrying about my own future."
