The San Francisco 49ers hold the distinction of being the rare team that's lost in the playoffs to the eventual Super Bowl champion three years in a row.
The lack of a ring grates on the organization, but the team's string of success in the NFC is a testament to the handiwork of Jim Harbaugh, San Francisco's high-profile coach who remains at odds with the franchise over his contract.
While the 49ersreportedly have made an offer to the coach, Harbaugh has yet to respond. He did take a few minutes, though, to tell Bleacher Report's Jason Cole that his contract status won't be a distraction come September.
"I signed my 10th contract in the National Football League in 2011, so I understand contracts. I understand how contracts work, and what they are there for," Harbaugh said. "I also know that I work at the pleasure of the San Francisco 49ers organization and at the pleasure of the York family. And I am paid extremely well -- which I am most grateful for, and I am very proud to be part of this organization."
Harbaugh reiterated that he's "never asked to be the highest-paid coach in football" or "like a Super Bowl-winning coach," while emphasizing that he's never demanded "more power."
Harbaugh insisted nobody has asked for those perks on his behalf, either, promising that his entire focus in late July is on the season ahead.
The future, though, remains up in the air for a coach who sounds more than willing to bet on himself.
The latest Around The League Podcast visits with former Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum and discusses the best of the early training-camp surprises.
