Jerry Rice, the Hall of Fame former 49ers receiver, thinks Jim Harbaugh is heading into his final eight games as the head coach in San Francisco.
Asked by Sports Illustrated if Harbaugh will remain with the 49ers beyond this season, Rice answered, “I really don’t think so, I think he’s gone no matter what happens this year.”
Rice added that he believes the players will be influenced by doubts about Harbaugh’s long-term commitment, even if everyone insists that they’re totally focused on the task at hand.
“Maybe that’s starting to wear and tear on the team and it’s taking its toll,” Rice said. “The team, they try to say, ‘Well, we’re not affected by it.’ But you are.”
On PFT Live today, Rice said the 49ers are playing with no confidence.
“It’s up to the players to re-focus,” Rice said.
Rice sounds like he thinks the coach is focused on getting another job two months from now.