Golden Nuggets: Jim Harbaugh's exit Sunday will be an emotional one

Good morning everyone. Tomorrow afternoon the 49ers will host the Cardinals in Jim Harbaugh's last game coaching the team. Jim Harbaugh's departure has become more and more of a sure thing over the last couple months, to the point that almost everyone is certain he will be gone. Even players like Anthony Davis are hinting at it like it's common knowledge. I have come to terms with the inevitable nature of the decision, but I have yet to come anywhere close to understanding it. I get that his personality is rough, but to get rid of a coach who made three straight NFC championship games and a Superbowl makes zero sense from a football standpoint. Personally, I am convinced that a big part of the 49ers failures this season, aside from crippling injuries, was the constant uncertainty about his job.

The season finale will be an emotional one. For the first time in more than three seasons, the 49ers have nothing more to play for. A higher draft pick and a possible last place schedule could even be a reason to hope for a loss. But I think, considering this game will see the end of Jim Harbaugh, and could see the end of Frank Gore, Justin Smith and several others will give the team fire. The Cardinals are 11-4, but are down to their third string QB after Drew Stanton injured his knee. The 49ers offense finally opened up last week, and I expect to see a similar performance Sunday. To the links!

Report: 49ers place Boone on injured reserve; sign kick returner (Gin)

Division rival coaches support Jim Harbaugh (Gin)

Michigan, Raiders reportedly positioning themselves to meet with Harbaugh (Inman)

Report: Michigan, Jim Harbaugh to talk (PFT)

What Harbaugh expects from 49ers' fans on Sunday (Maiocco)

Harbaugh keeps focus on players as regular-season finale approaches (Corkran)

Anthony Davis: 'I just know what we don't need' (Maiocco)

RT Davis doesn’t back away from criticism of Roman (Branch)

49ers injury report: FS Reid ruled out with concussion (Maiocco)

Practice report: Eric Reid progresses but ruled out of finale, as are Carlos Hyde, Stevie Johnson (Inman)

Staley fined for abusive language at referee (Maiocco)

Post-Holliday signing: 49ers add kick returner; place Boone on IR (Branch)

PFF Preview: Cardinals @ 49ers, Week 17 (PFF)

Michael Crabtree: ‘I just need to improve in scoring touchdowns and catching more passes’ (Inman)

49ers 2015 opponents almost finalized (Corkran)