San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh will not return for the final season of his $25 million, five-year contract he signed in January 2011, and instead will head to his alma mater, the University of Michigan, to replace the fired Brady Hoke.
The Detroit Free Press reported that no deal has been signed with Harbaugh, but university staffers are working to set up events to introduce Harbaugh on Tuesday, including a news conference and an appearance at an afternoon basketball game, a person within the university with knowledge of the plans told the Free Press.
Harbaugh's move to Michigan also was reported by ESPN and Fox Sports.
The 49ers' announcement came Sunday after a 20-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals and following a 8-8 season in which San Francisco had hoped to establish some momentum. Instead, the 49ers saw thousands of empty seats at most games in the new $1.3 billion Levi's Stadium. San Francisco was eliminated from playoff contention with a 17-7 loss at Seattle on Dec. 14, its second defeat to the rival Seahawks in an 18-day stretch that helped seal Harbaugh's fate.
Harbaugh guided the 49ers to three straight NFC championship games and had a Super Bowl-or-bust mentality for this season that quickly turned sour.
"Jim and I have come to the conclusion that it is in our mutual best interest to move in different directions," said CEO Jed York. "We thank Jim for bringing a tremendous competitive nature and a great passion for the game to the 49ers. He and his staff restored a winning culture that has been the standard for our franchise."
The 49ers came close to their sixth Super Bowl championship after the 2012 season, losing 34-31 to Harbaugh's big brother, John, and the Baltimore Ravens.
Harbaugh had a 49-22-1 overall record in four years with San Francisco, which might look to promote from within to replace him. Defensive line coach Jim Tomsula's name has been mentioned.
