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Jim Harbaugh

AFC Mailbags: Titans, Chiefs, Raiders

October 11th, 2014 at 11:15am CST by Ben Levine

We took a look at ESPN’s NFC mailbags earlier today. Let’s now check out notes from ESPN’s AFC mailbags…

  • Even though Titans coach Ken Whisenhunt previously said that he’d make roster changes if play doesn’t improve, Paul Kuharsky doesn’t think that’s realistic. As the writer points out, roster building takes place in the spring, not in October.
  • Adam Reicher writes that it may take some time, but the Chiefs will eventually look to extend linebacker Justin Houston. If that doesn’t happen, Reicher suggests that the team could franchise the 25-year-old.
  • If the Raiders can’t get Jon Gruden or Jim Harbaugh as their next head coach, Texas A&M skipper Ken Sumlin could be a candidate, writes Bill Williamson.
  • Michael DiRocco can’t see linebacker Dekoda Watson returning to the Jaguars after the season unless his play improves. The writer adds that Watson wasn’t signed to be a building block, and that will make it easier to cut the player.
  • Jamison Hensley observes that the Ravens have historically kept the players they’ve wanted to keep. As a result, he believes that Torrey Smith will ultimately sign an extension with the team.

NFC Notes: Murray, Harbaugh, House

October 10th, 2014 at 3:19pm CST by Luke Adams

The NFL’s leading rusher, DeMarco Murray, told Calvin Watkins of ESPNDallas.com today that he’s happy his camp has opened extension talks with the Cowboys, though he acknowledged it’s not something he’s focused on at this point. While Murray’s hot start in the final year of his rookie contract has made him a logical extension candidate, Joel Corry of the National Football Post notes that even in a career year, the running back may not receive a huge offer from the Cowboys. The team also has to address other potential free agents like wideout Dez Bryant, and if Murray’s workload continues at its current pace, the club could have concerns about his future production, particularly given his past durability issues.

As we wait to see if negotiations between Murray and the Cowboys move forward, let’s take a look at a few more notes from around the NFC….

  • In the view of ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter, it would be an upset if Jim Harbaugh is still coaching the 49ers in 2015. While Schefter isn’t entirely ruling out the possibility, he says he “wouldn’t count on it right now.”
  • Davon House‘s name is a little ways down on the Packers‘ depth chart, but the cornerback could be setting himself up for a nice payday in the offseason based on his performance, writes Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Pass-Gazette. So far, the team has yet to talk to House’s agent about an extension. “If I continue what I’ve been doing, good things are to come, here or somewhere else,” House said. “Hopefully here.”
  • Top draft pick Marcus Smith is itching to get on the field more, but Eagles coach Chip Kelly says he won’t rush things with the young linebacker, as Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer writes. “We don’t look at a guy and say, ‘Hey, he’s this, we have to force him in,’ ” Kelly said. “I think you’d lose the rest of the guys on your team if you say, ‘Why are you playing this guy? Just because we drafted him high.’ He has to prove that he deserves playing time.”
  • Wide receiver Nick Williams, who was released from Washington’s practice squad about a month ago, tried out this week for the Falcons, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter).

Zach Links contributed to this post.

NFC West Notes: Cardinals, Harbaugh, Rams

October 6th, 2014 at 7:15pm CST by Zachary Links

Here’s the latest from the NFC West as the Seahawks get set to take on Washington..

  • Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians says that if a quarterback is added, he wants someone familiar with his offense and protection schemes, writes Kent Somers of The Arizona Republic (via Twitter). We learned earlier today that Arizona is holding off on possibly going out-of-house for a quarterback since Drew Stanton and Carson Palmer could technically be cleared for this week.
  • 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh says that he had a “good talk” with CEO Jed York this morning about the public speculation on his job security, writes Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com. Meanwhile, Harbaugh asked the media not to ask his players about him or how well he is supported, saying that it’s not the responsibility of his players to go to bat for him.
  • Rams head coach Jeff Fisher said the team will work out several linebackers on Tuesday, tweets Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Fisher also noted that practice squad LB Denicos Allen is under consideration for promotion.

NFC Notes: Lions, Harbaugh, Cards, Eagles

October 6th, 2014 at 1:30pm CST by Zachary Links

After cutting Alex Henery, the Lions are in the market for a new kicker (again) and there aren’t a ton of options out there outside of Jay Feely and Matt Prater, writes Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. Other available names include Giorgio Tavecchio, Derek Dimke, and 38-year-old Neil Rackers, while Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (Twitter link) mentions veterans Connor Barth, Rian Lindell, and Garrett Hartley as other possibilities.

With Feely, Prater, and Barth all set to audition for Detroit on Tuesday, let’s round up a few more notes on the Lions’ kicking options, as well as other updates from around the NFC:

  • As Feely prepares to try out for the Lions, he’s helped by the fact that punter Sam Martin handles kickoffs for Detroit, tweets Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Martin is one of a few punters to handle kickoff duty in the NFL and that means Feely will only be needed for his strength: Nailing field goals.
  • Some Lions fans have wondered aloud if Jason Hanson would entertain the idea of coming out of retirement, but Hanson’s agent tells Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports (on Twitter) that his client is done playing football.
  • As reports of tension between 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh and his players continue to pile up, many in the locker room came to his defense after yesterday’s 22-17 win over the Chiefs, writes Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com. “There’s really been no drama. It’s all been created by you guys (media), something to talk about. We seriously don’t think about that, talk about that, give that any thought. . . . We don’t care,” said left tackle Joe Staley. Kicker Phil Dawson and quarterback Colin Kaepernick also showed their support for Harbaugh.
  • 49ers CEO Jed York issued yet another denial of reports that Harbaugh will be out of a job even if the team wins the Super Bowl this year. “It’s categorically not true,” York told DIRECTV’s Rich Eisen, according to Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group. York acknowledged that Harbaugh can sometimes rub people the wrong way, but also said that the coach and GM Trent Baalke “work fairly well together.”
  • Cardinals general manager Steve Keim says that he won’t be adding another quarterback yet, writes Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com. In theory, both Drew Stanton and Carson Palmer could be ready for the Redskins this week. The team will determine the status of both in the next day or two and go from there.
  • The Eagles emphasized upgrading special teams in the offseason and yesterday was proof they accomplished that, writes Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer. The Eagles’ first score on Sunday came on a blocked punt and they have four special-teams touchdowns this season, including one in each of the last three games.

AFC Notes: Ryan, Revis, Thompkins, Harbaugh

October 5th, 2014 at 9:39pm CST by Rob DiRe

The Jets were on the wrong side of a 31-0 beat down earlier today, and head coach Rex Ryan has his work cut out for him if the team is going to turn the season around. Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report doesn’t see the Jets improving, and believes Ryan will be fired because the roster isn’t up to par.

Here are some other notes from around the AFC:

  • Darrelle Revis is showing he is at his best during Sunday Night Football by harrassing A.J. Green, but even if he plays at this level all year the Patriots will not be able to pick up the $20MM option, writes Andrew Brandt of MMQB.com (via Twitter). This will serve as a contract year for the star cornerback.
  • Since Kenbrell Thompkins was released by the Patriots, he is looking for a new job. Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald sees the Steelers as a potential fit (via Twitter). In addition to the fit on the field, he is the cousin of superstar receiver Antonio Brown.
  • The rumors of a potential trade between the Browns and 49ers that would have sent Jim Harbaugh to coach Cleveland could have been for as little as two third-round draft picks, reports Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. Harbaugh’s wife was reluctant to leave the Bay Area, which strengthens rumors that he could be interested in the Raiders’ vacancy.

NFC Notes: Harbaugh, Orton, Palmer, Johnson

October 5th, 2014 at 3:01pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Amid numerous reports of discontent in the 49ers locker room stemming from head coach Jim Harbaugh’s management style, the team’s owner has taken to social media to dispute the claims. “Jim is my coach,” said Jed York on Twitter. “We are trying to win a [Super Bowl], not a personality or popularity contest. Any more questions?” Jay Glazer of Fox Sports reported earlier today that there is “no way” Harbaugh returns to San Francisco in 2015, even if the team wins the Super Bowl. Until Harbaugh agrees to a contract extension, York & Co. will be forced to continue to respond to queries on their coach’s status. Let’s look at more from the NFC.

  • Among the reasons that new Bills starter Kyle Orton left the Cowboys was that his relationship with Tony Romo was “untenable,” according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link via NFL Network’s Around the League). Ed Werder of ESPN reported (via Twitter) much of the same last week, noting that Orton “hated the offensive power struggle.”
  • Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer, out since Week 1, has been working with a nerve specialist and has shown some improvement, per Glazer (on Twitter). Arizona is hopeful Palmer can return to the field by Week 6 or 7.
  • Vikings defensive tackle Tom Johnson was arrested for trespassing and disorderly conduct last night, tweets James Monical of KSTP in Minneapolis.

Coaching Notes: Harbaugh, Raiders, Holmgren

October 5th, 2014 at 12:15pm CST by Ben Levine

Jim Harbaugh‘s pursuit of a future Hall of Famer didn’t sit well with some of his players. The 49ers attempt to sign Peyton Manning in 2012 (and their subsequent dishonestly with then-quarterback Alex Smith) led to Harbaugh “losing” some of his players, team sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

When Smith specifically asked his former coach about the team’s interest in Manning, Harbaugh was reportedly dishonest about the team’s intent. As the source told Schefter, “that was the first big sign to the players that they couldn’t trust Jim.”

Last week, NFL Network analyst Deion Sanders said that 49ers players “want [Harbaugh] out. They’re not on the same page.” Harbaugh responded, saying “that’s a bunch of crap.”

It’s uncertain who to believe right now, but one thing can be assured… this storyline will not be going away anytime soon.

Let’s check out some more notes pertaining to Harbaugh and potential coaching vacancies…

  • Appearing on Fox’s NFL pregame, reporter Jay Glazer said there is “no way” Harbaugh will be back with the 49ers next season (video link via TheBigLead.com).
  • ESPN reports that a potential Harbaugh destination could be The University of Kansas (via Twitter of New York Post’s Bart Hubbuch).
  • NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport said Harbaugh is a “name to watch” in regards to the Raiders opening (via Twitter).
  • Speaking of the Raiders, ProFootballTalk.com’s Mike Florio reports that Mike Holmgren‘s name has quietly been emerging as a contender for the eventual opening (assuming Tony Sparano‘s “interim” tag is sincere). The connection makes plenty of sense; Holmgren and Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie previously worked together with the Packers. To add additional fuel to the fire, multiple sources tell PFT that Holmgren was actually spotted visiting the Raiders’ facilities earlier this week.

NFC Links: Harbaugh, Donnell, Prater, Eagles

October 4th, 2014 at 4:39pm CST by Rob DiRe

The 49ers have a very volatile situation on their hands, as tensions between management and head coach Jim Harbaugh are only outmatched by those between the coach and his players. Much has been made about this ongoing situation, but the team was still playing at a high level last week. Their defense suffocated the Eagles’ offense, and the team still looks like a Super Bowl contender despite currently sitting at third in the NFC West.

Seth Wickersham of ESPN profiled Harbaugh, writing that he thrives in chaos and that it doesn’t matter what the atmosphere is in the locker room. His competitiveness could be enough and overcome the tensions and the 49ers could be looking at another deep playoff run.

Here are some more links from around the NFC:

Extra Points: Harbaugh, Falcons, London

October 2nd, 2014 at 10:02pm CST by Zachary Links

We were due for a close Thursday night game, right? So much for that. Here’s tonight’s look around the NFL as Packers fans relish tonight’s blowout..

  • Deion Sanders remains steadfast in his assertion that 49ers players want Jim Harbaugh out, writes Cam Inman of the Mercury News. “I have sources that wear football uniforms, coats, suits and ties,” Sanders said. “This is real. You’re talking about Trent Baalke. We know there is a rift between he and Harbaugh. We all know..that has trickled down into the locker room. Not only are my sources correct, I checked (with) three insiders from different networks and it’s 100 percent. You can shoot the messenger but the message is real.” For his part, Harbaugh shrugged off Sanders’ comments earlier this week.
  • After the Falcons were forced to use a tight end at right tackle last week when three of their offensive linemen went down with injuries, head coach Mike Smith suggested this week that the league’s competition committee could look at increasing the size of active gameday rosters in future seasons. D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal Constitution has the details.
  • In a lengthy and interesting piece for The MMQB.com, Jenny Vrentas examines the possibility of the NFL eventually establishing a franchise in London, addressing potential roadblocks and discussing how it could work.

Luke Adams contributed to this post.

Freeman’s Latest: Pats, Suh, Raiders, Goodell

October 1st, 2014 at 10:43am CST by Luke Adams

While Tom Brady has been taking his share of criticism for the Patriots‘ shaky start to the 2014 season, one NFC scout tells Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report that he believes head coach and de facto GM Bill Belichick should shoulder a good portion of the blame.

“The larger problem isn’t Brady. The problem is what’s around Brady,” the scout said. “Belichick has done a horrible job of putting talent around him. [Rob Gronkowski], to me, isn’t half the player he was. Their best player right now is Julian Edelman.”

As the scout points out, the Broncos have taken the opposite approach with Peyton Manning, surrounding him with an “armada” of weapons, while Brady once again works with an underwhelming group of receivers in New England. Freeman touches on several other topics of note within his latest column, so let’s dive in and round up the highlights….

  • After speaking to sources with the Giants and Jets, Freeman suggests both teams have only “marginal” interest in Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. A report on Sunday indicated that the standout defender would be interested in playing in New York when his contract is up in Detroit, but Freeman’s sources think Suh‘s agent Jimmy Sexton may simply be trying to scare the Lions.
  • While Freeman can say “with certainty” that the Raiders have interest in Jon Gruden and Jim Harbaugh as head coaching candidates, Gruden isn’t interested (at least for now) and Oakland likely wouldn’t be able to afford the sort of salary Harbaugh would command.
  • According to Freeman, the outlook for Roger Goodell remains “solid,” with owners around the league still supporting the embattled commissioner. However, much of that support hinges on what Robert Mueller‘s investigation uncovers about the Ray Rice situation.
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