With the season getting closer to its conclusion and 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh still without a new contract and all but certain to be coaching elsewhere next season, speculation about his next stop -- whether it be the Raiders, the University of Michigan, the Jets or the Dolphins -- will continue. But if he does depart with a year remaining on his existing contract, the next 49ers head coach could already be on staff.The 49ers believe they have several capable coaches under contract now, according to numerous league sources, and if Harbaugh departs, defensive line coach Jim Tomsula and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio would be at the top of their list of candidates to replace him. League sources said that Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase is seen as a top external candidate, but the team is expected to thoroughly explore its internal candidates as well. The 49ers, who have a bevy of big contracts already on the payroll for 2015, could be in line for a reshaping of the roster as well as the coaching ranks.
No point on drafting a QB in the first round when you have this stud of a head coach. Lovie needs to be fired after week 17, and a trade should be in place for Jim as soon as the playoffs end. http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/writer/jason-la-canfora/24851130/state-of-the-49ers-tomsula-fagio-gase-seen-as-top-harbaugh-replacements
