49ers vs Harbaugh: Irreconcilable differences turn to Michigan Gold

The Jim Harbaugh era is officially over in San Francisco and Michigan welcomed their former quarterback with open arms as if he were their Messiah. For those of us watching, it felt like the end of an ugly divorce with our "Dad" kicked out of the house and now living thousands of miles away.
At his best, Harbaugh with a hoarse voice but bright and easy smile, charmed the room much like he did after wins in Santa Clara and on the road. The man who saved the 49ers and returned them to the playoffs three years in a row is now as he said building a new house. "I see myself as a construction guy," said Harbaugh. "You build this home and hopefully it's a nice cathedral. But there's some dirt there and now you have to build another one. Even though you've done well, built some nice homes, you just have to do it again. I now want to live in one for a while."
Michigan is giving him a long term deal that will allow him to return the Wolverines to the National Championship. Seven years at 5 million a year, plus a two million dollar signing bonus and a healthy list of incentives that could in the end make him the highest paid college coach. But was it about money or those irreconcilable differences with 49ers management? It was sad listening to Niners CEO Jed York try and explain why he parted with the successful coach. York and general manager Trent Baalke want to be accountable but it's hard to see how Harbaugh at 44-19-1, becomes the point man for the team going 8-8 this season and missing the playoffs for the first time in his four year tenure. Yes, he fell short of claiming the Lombardi trophy and the true glory days of Bill Walsh and George Seifert but how did York and Baalke fare? They in essence built the walls between the organization, Harbaugh and the team. When legal issuers surfaced, York and Baalke were nowhere in sight. When injuries prevailed, where were York and Baalke? They claim they want to win with class, but show little when push comes to shove.  Everywhere I went today, people wanted to vent about the young, bratty 34 year old owner who just let one of the best NFL coaches go to Michigan. York is in the hot seat and the next move will be critical. As for Harbaugh, that smile speaks volume. "I am living the dream I've had since I was a young lad, about 9 years old," he said. "It's a decision I made with my heart. I'm very humbled, very honored." And as he walked away front he podium in Ann Arbor, someone yelled: "Who's got it better than us?" Harbaugh with that hoarse voice yelled back, "NOBODY." Certainly not the San Francisco 49ers who will watch the playoffs on TV while they look for a coach who can win the 2016 Super Bowl with class. Good luck with that Jed York.