Rumor: Cleveland Browns tried to trade for Jim Harbaugh

[Heismanberg]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/02/21/sources-browns-nearly-traded-for-jim-harbaugh/

The Browns’ unpredictable head-coaching search nearly finished with what would have been the most unpredictable outcome of any head-coaching search since Jon Gruden was traded from the Raiders to the Buccaneers a dozen years ago.

Per multiple league sources, the Cleveland Browns nearly pulled off a trade with the 49ers for the rights to coach Jim Harbaugh.

A deal that would have sent multiple draft picks to San Francisco was in place between the teams.  But Harbaugh ultimately decided not to leave the 49ers.

The 49ers could not immediately be reached for comment.  Efforts to contact the 49ers continue.

The Browns declined to comment specifically on whether an effort was made to acquire Jim Harbaugh.  The Browns characterized the search as thorough, and the Browns acknowledged that many options were considered.  The Browns emphasized that the team is excited about its new coach Mike Pettine.

A deal would have been stunning, for several reasons.  Harbaugh has taken the 49ers to the NFC title game in each of his three years with the team.  Also, he would have joined the same division as his brother, Ravens coach John Harbaugh.

Which means they would have been squaring off at least twice per year, and competing directly for division titles and/or wild-card positioning.

This would have been crazy. 

[Badger]

But Harbaugh ultimately decided not to leave the 49ers.

Why would he even consider it? Cleveland?

I can't imagine how that would be preferable in any way.

[Heismanberg]

Why would he even consider it? Cleveland?

He's from Ohio, but he built a perennial Super Bowl contender in San Francisco.

Going to Cleveland (with multiple high picks lost in the trade) would be a huge risk/challenge. 

[MBGreen]

Cle would've won the offseason with that move.

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[bojanglesman]

Cle would've won the offseason with that move.

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No kidding, and Cleveland's team really isn't that bad. 

[Libero_2]

Why would San Fran even consider the move?

[Badger]

Why would San Fran even consider the move?

Because Tomsula is going to be amaaaaaaaaaazing.

[Badger]

[Heismanberg]

ahahaha

Browns didn't deny it though

[bojanglesman]

 Hahaha.  Pwned.

[dcm1602]

Why would San Fran even consider the move?

If the Browns were offering legit picks for him, and the rumors about jim/baalke not getting along being true

It wouldnt be THAT wild of a scenario... I  dont think

[Badger]

If the Browns were offering legit picks for him, and the rumors about jim/baalke not getting along being true

It wouldnt be THAT wild of a scenario... I  dont think

That was the only way I could imagine it, if there was some internal strife.

[Heismanberg]

That was the only way I could imagine it, if there was some internal strife.

His contract is up after 2015, and they haven't extended him yet. 

[Tommy]

This is an odd rumor.

[Libero_2]

His contract is up after 2015, and they haven't extended him yet. 

Which is still two seasons away.

Internal strife or not, the miners were a doormat for the decade of the 2000s then Harbaugh shows up and takes a 5-11 team to the NFCCG the next year, develops the roster and creates a perennial contender. They would have been retarded to ship him out, and it would have ended up costing the higher ups who shipped him off their jobs in a year or two.