The San Francisco 49ers reportedly came close to trading coach Jim Harbaugh to the Cleveland Browns for a plethora of draft picks. The proposed deal was "nearly" completed, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports.
Cleveland's search for a head coach lasted almost two weeks. During that time, the Browns reportedly came close to acquiring Harbaugh from the 49ers.
"Per multiple league sources, the Cleveland Browns nearly pulled off a trade with the 49ers for the rights to coach Jim Harbaugh," Florio wrote on Friday. "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."
A 49ers source told NFL.com's Ian Rapoport the report is "completely false" and "ridiculous."
Harbaugh, in his third season with San Francisco, is one of the top coaches in the league. He's led the 49ers to three NFC championship games, which is one reason his job security has never been questioned.
Cleveland ultimately signed Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Mike Pettine on Jan. 23 to replace ex-coach Rob Chudzinski, who was fired after just one season. The Browns recently changed up their front office with the firings of general manager Michael Lombardi and CEO Joe Banner.
Spokesmen for Cleveland and San Francisco haven't yet commented on Florio's report.
