49ers win last game of the season but loose Jim Harbaugh

The brutal business of the NFL played out this afternoon in Santa Clara where after beating Arizona 20-17, the 49ers wasted no time announcing they were "parting ways" with Coach Jim Harbaugh. While it wasn't a surprise, the questions continue flowing without answers as to what exactly went wrong with the organization and a successful coach who was loved by his players and fans who just wanted to win. The final game seemed anticlimactic after the announcement, but it serves as a perfect reminder that sports is just a business. While Harbaugh produced a winning 44-19-1 regular season record and 5 playoffs victories in four years, he did not do enough to please the team's management, specifically general manager Trent Baalke. On the tennis courts at Golden Gate park this morning, the talk was all about the Harbaugh rumors and the sadness that will accompany his exit. He did after all take the team to the NFC Championship Game three straight times and reached Super Bowl XLVII loosing to his brother, John Harbaugh's Baltimore Ravens. Aside from the victories, fans enjoyed his fiery style, and his infamous phrase: "Who's got it better than us? Nobody!" My friend Mary Ann, a true Faithful for decades simply said, "I cannot believe they're letting him go."

It is hard to believe, especially listening to his players after they awarded him the game ball.
Bruce Miller said he taught him so much over the past four seasons. "He's a great leader, a great coach," explained Miller. "He turns losers into winners. It was a  tough year. But we all wanted to finish on a high note for Coach."
And the Coach had nothing but praise for his men. "I've had the time of my life,"said Harbaugh. "I don't have the words for it. You work at the pleasure of the organization and  it's been a tremendous 4 years.  These players, this team, I feel great about the relationships made. I
felt we accomplished great things." Harbaugh didn't want to talk about Michigan and the offer awaiting him at his alma mater. He said those statements will come. He wanted to thank 49er fans, coaches and his tremendous football team, singling out players whose future with the team is also uncertain, like Frank Gore who passed the 1,000 yard rushing yard for the 8th time in his glorious career. Gore is schedule for unrestricted free agency for the first time in his NFL career.
"I don't have words for what an unwavering character Frank Gore is," said Harbaugh. "He is a tremendous player but an even better person. I have so much gratitude, respect for the players that have given their best. We battled from the beginning to the end"
And Gore shared the love. "He's a great coach. My best years, I played for him," said Gore. " I wish him the best. No matter where he ends up, he's going to be a winner. I just wanted to finish right for him and for my fans who've been with me since I was 21. This year was a disappointing year, but I wanted to finish the way a 49er is supposed to finish." Gore admitted he cried as he reflected on his past and his uncertain future.  "When I first got here I was 21, " said Gore. "I was always under contract. It was tough knowing this could be my last year. But I've played for great fans, and a great organization. I want to be back." As the business goes, Baalke this week expressed the organization's desire to have Gore return. "We would certainly like to have him back. Now, whether we can make that a reality or not, time will tell." The sad reality for Niners fans tonight is that the season is over. Yes, San Francisco won its last game to finish 8-8, but their winning coach is gone, and the future is uncertain.