[BostonCard]

I think the difference is that Walsh didn't ruffle feathers in the front office, while Harbaugh clearly does.  It's a lot easier to have patience through bad seasons with someone you like and enjoy working with than with someone who is constantly antagonizing you.  The Niners should give a long think to how much they are letting personal feelings creep into their decision making, or they could get what they wish for, a pliable and amicable coach who doesn't win.  Of course, it is possible that the current year (which is not even over yet) is not a blip and that this becomes the first year of a trend where the Niners don't make the playoffs, and that getting rid of Harbaugh is necessary.  The problem with this approach is that the evidence of mediocrity to date is very limited; we have 3/4 of one season to base it upon, in contrast to 7 successful years (4 with Stanford and 3 to date with the Niners) that suggest he is a good coach.

If he does get "traded" to the Raiders and succeeds in turning around that franchise, I think that would cement his position as one of the greatest turnaround artists in the game.  But he too should be careful with what he wishes for.  He might get the fresh start he seeks, but in a team that has an abysmal front office staff that cannot win (like the Raiders).

BC

[BostonCard]

I think the difference is that Walsh didn't ruffle feathers in the front office, while Harbaugh clearly does.  It's a lot easier to have patience through bad seasons with someone you like and enjoy working with than with someone who is constantly antagonizing you.  The Niners should give a long think to how much they are letting personal feelings creep into their decision making, or they could get what they wish for, a pliable and amicable coach who doesn't win.  Of course, it is possible that the current year (which is not even over yet) is not a blip and that this becomes the first year of a trend where the Niners don't make the playoffs, and that getting rid of Harbaugh is necessary.  The problem with this approach is that the evidence of mediocrity to date is very limited; we have 3/4 of one season to base it upon, in contrast to 7 successful years (4 with Stanford and 3 to date with the Niners) that suggest he is a good coach.

If he does get "traded" to the Raiders and succeeds in turning around that franchise, I think that would cement his position as one of the greatest turnaround artists in the game.  But he too should be careful with what he wishes for.  He might get the fresh start he seeks, but in a team that has an abysmal front office staff that cannot win (like the Raiders).

BC