SANTA CLARA, Calif. — On the day after the San Francisco 49ers' season was ended, head cach Jim Harbaugh spoke with the media for his final Monday press conference of the season.
Harbaugh didn't want to compare or evaluate the significance of the season, but wanted to state that the team did something special.
"I’m very proud of the team and I think it was an amazing season in a lot of ways beyond description," Harbaugh said.
As several players were still recovering from the bitter loss on Sunday, Harbaugh tried to put in perspective that the 49ers were not going to back down and that the offseason would be a tremendous challenge for the team.
"It’s going to require that we do the similar things that we did this past year," Harbaugh said of the offseason tasks. "Going to take incredible resolve. It’ll be easier in some ways, harder in others."
This offseason will be the first full one Harbaugh will have with his team. He indicaated that second year players like NaVorro Bowman had a disadvantage during the lockout and he was hoping that this offseason, the players would use the facility to better prepare themselves for the 2012 season.
One major goal for the team is the decisions on potential free agents (there are 19 total). There are several free agents, including quarterback Alex Smith, that could receive some offers elsewhere. Harbaugh indicated he would like to have Smith back.
"If Alex returns, everything is earned and competed for," said Harbaugh of the starting quarterback position.
And on other key free agents, Harbaugh said the team will do what they can to bring them back.
“If a player can make significantly more money elsewhere than we’re willing or able to play, I’ll be happy for those guys," Harbaugh said. "But we’ll compete for guys. The grass isn’t always greener, but they’ve built a lot of equity here.”
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Other Harbaugh notes
- Harbaugh felt that Vernon Davis' touchdown celebration in the first quarter didn't warrant a flag. He felt that the camera stand was not a prop.
- When asked about the Ahmad Bradshaw fumble that was called back due to forward progress, Harbaugh compared it to the line of the "tuck rule".
- There are no surgeries for any players to his knowledge right now. WR Kyle Williams didn't suffer a separated shoulder, but was just sore.
- Harbaugh hopes to keep the band together in terms of his coaching staff. He didn't want to go into detail if any members of his staff have received coaching offers from other teams.
- Harbaugh said that one player told him that they won't participate in the Pro Bowl. It looks like that will be RB Frank Gore.
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