49ers coach Jim Harbaugh was not a man of many words following his team’s loss to the lowly Raiders on Sunday. After the game, reporters wanted to question the coach’s future with the organization, but Harbaugh made his intentions clear.
“My priorities are: No. 1, winning football games,” Harbaugh said (via Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com). “No. 2, the welfare of our players, coaches and our staff. And lastly, is what my personal/professional future is.”
So, does the coach want to remain with the 49ers next season?
“My priorities,” he said, “are winning games.”
As we try to decipher Harbaugh’s comments, let’s take a look at some more notes out of Santa Clara…
- The 49ers worked out a pair of players on Monday. Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post writes that the team hosted rugby star Jarryd Hayne, noting that the 26-year-old would likely contribute as a running back. The team also worked out former Cardinals linebacker Desmond Bishop, according to Howard Balzer (via Twitter). The veteran was released by Arizona last week.
- Based on his play this season, quarterback Colin Kaepernick will not receive a $2MM bonus based on a de-escalator clause in his contract, tweets Ann Killion of the San Francisco Chronicle.
- The 49ers will have to make a decision by Tuesday on linebacker NaVorro Bowman. As Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle explains, the team has to choose whether to activate the Pro Bowler from the physically unable to perform list. If the team opts to keep him on the list, Bowman will not play a snap this season.
- Tim Kawakami of the Mercury News explores the uncertain future of the team’s veteran players. The writer says that veteran running back Frank Gore is assuming his days with the organization are coming to an end, and Kawakami agrees with that sentiment. Meanwhile, the writer is skeptical that free agents Michael Crabtree and Mike Iupati will return, and he also questions the future of Vernon Davis, Ahmad Brooks and Justin Smith.