Jim Harbaugh and the 49ers have been embroiled in rumors since the Browns were in discussions to trade for San Francisco's coach. From trade rumors swirling to his act reportedly wearing thin with key 49ers players, Harbaugh finally has spoken out.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated's Michael Rosenberg, the 49ers' coach addresses rumors of his contract extension, whether Harbaugh desires more power in the organization and his supposed deteriorating relationship with general manager Trent Baalke.
Harbaugh says there is "zero opportunity" of him leaving San Francisco before his contract expires in 2016.
"There was never any opportunity to leave the San Francisco 49ers," Harbaugh told SI.com in a story published Monday night. "If that existed, it existed in somebody else's mind, not mine. I am too fond of my team, the players, the coaches. I really feel like we have one of the best, if not the best organizations in football."
The 49ers' enigmatic coach even went on to deny that he wants more cash in his next deal, admitting that he makes "plenty of money."
"I see all these reports about how I want to be the highest-paid coach in football," Harbaugh continued. "They presume I covet some kind of extension. I have never said to anybody that I want to be the highest-paid coach in football. I have never said that to anybody -- my wife, my brother, my dad. I make plenty of money.
"The other one is that I want more power. I have never said that, nor do I want any more power than I have. I coach the team. I've told my owner I don't want any more power. I want to coach the team. And I've never told anybody else otherwise."
Harbaugh finally divulged on his perceived rocky relationship with Baalke, but compares their connection to a brotherly bond.
Harbaugh and the 49ers can say all of the right things, but without a contract extension, his name will continue to emerge for coaching vacancies throughout the final two years of his contract.
Hold on to your pleated khakis.
Follow Lance Cartelli on Twitter @CasuallyGinger
