NFL Props: Jim Harbaugh Odds and Predictions for End of San Francisco Tenure
by George Monroy - 12/8/2014
San Francisco's humiliating loss against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday probably eliminated the team from the postseason, and it could have been one of Jim Harbaugh's final games as head coach of the team. The speculation coming out of the Bay Area is that ownership, management and the players are all tired of Harbaugh's over-the-top and abrasive style, which will probably leave the former Stanford coach out of a job before the year's end.
The abrupt change in the way Harbaugh is viewed in San Francisco is a bit shocking, since the coach was the darling of the league a few seasons ago after leading his team to consecutive conference title games and a Super Bowl appearance to boot. The oddsmakers at Sportsbook.ag have already released a set of lines as to where Harbaugh might end up next season, and if things play out the way they expect the coach be taking a short drive down the road into the Oakland locker room. Let's take a close look at the odds and figure out which location has the most value for a Harbaugh wager.
Jim Harbaugh-Where will he be coaching at the start of the 2015 Football Regular Season?
Oakland Raiders: -160
Any Other NFL Team: +280
Michigan (NCAA): +300
Does Not Coach in 2015 Season: +300
San Francisco 49ers: +800
Any Other NCAA Team: +2000
Oakland : The Raiders seem to be the prime destination for Harbaugh to land if he is indeed traded by the 49ers. The move would keep the coach in the same area and wouldn't disrupt his family and life style too much-that is not to say Harbaugh will take those considerations into account, but he might. Football-wise Oakland is a horrible spot and Harbaugh might not want to make the leap from a contender to a bottom feeder in the AFC.
The biggest question concerning this wager is whether Harbaugh will be fired or traded. If the coach is fired, he might choose to wait a year rather than commit to troubled team like the Raiders. If he is traded, he might simply decide to go along with the deal and play out his contract. Either way, this might not be the best bet at -160 odds.
Any Other NFL Team : If Harbaugh is allowed to choose his next destination, this prop has the most value. There are a number of teams with talent on the roster that would be salivating at the thought of picking up the coach. Last offseason Cleveland delayed its coaching search for months as it explored the possibility of a Harbaugh trade and might be willing to cut ties with its own rookie head coach.
The New York Jets provide a high-profile opportunity, while the Atlanta Falcons could also be in looking for a coach in a few weeks. Harbaugh has much better options than in Oakland, and maybe the 49ers do not find the right deal in a trade and simply release him in a few weeks.
Michigan and No Coaching : Michigan is a long-shot destination for Harbaugh because of his ties with the organization, but it is rare for a NFL head coach to make the move into the college ranks without being forced there. Harbaugh undoubtedly believes in his ability to build a winning team and must be still searching for that ever-elusive Super Bowl win.
Wagering on the coach to sit out the 2015 season has solid value +300. Harbaugh may not be willing to let San Francisco decide his fate and may simply decide to sit out instead of being traded to Oakland. At this point, nearly every option is on the table for the coach.
Prediction : There isn't much value in a wager on the Raiders prop at -160. Harbaugh's coaching situation is still in flux, and anything can happen over the next few weeks. Maybe San Francisco backs into the wild-card spot and makes another Super Bowl run. The best way to approach this prop is to find a payout that is worth the uncertainly, and at this point -160 is not the number. Expect 'Harbaugh to coach any other team' prop to come out head in this one.
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Read more articles by George Monroy
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