Does Colin Kaepernick extension impact likelihood of Jim Harbaugh contract extension?

The San Francisco 49ers locked up star quarterback Colin Kaepernick through 2020, and that got us talking about who would be next in line for a contract extension. We focused on players given the salary cap implications, but I can understand why people decided to mention Jim Harbaugh as well.

Now that Kap is locked up, the next big question is Jim Harbaugh's contract. Michael Crabtree, Mike Iupati, Alex Boone, Vernon Davis, and so many other players are notable issues, but Harbaugh remains the big question. There have reportedly been some talks, but they do not seem to have gone anywhere of note. Pro Football Talk is "reporting" the 49ers made an offer and Harbaugh has not yet responded. That does not strike me exactly as breaking news, but you can take it for what it's worth.

Some reports have talked about Harbaugh wanting to be paid like a Super Bowl winning coach. Harbaugh himself said he never said anything about wanting to be the highest paid coach or wanting power. That does not mean he wants money comparable to a Super Bowl winning coach, but it's something.

With the Kap situation done, do you anticipate Harbaugh's contract happening any sooner? Or do you think it has no bearing? It helps to know the cash outlay on Kap's deal since cash spending does impact Harbaugh, but we know cap spending has no bearing.

I don't think it has much of an impact, but I do think removing the Kap negotiations has to make it at least a little bit easier to move forward in the Harbaugh negotiations. Of course, if this is about getting money up among the higher paid coaches, then I suppose it doesn't matter whether Kap is done or not.

There are interesting cases for both sides on this. The 49ers have not won a Super Bowl under Harbaugh, so I suppose you want to wait for that. On the other hand, I could see how Harbaugh could also argue his value in helping get the stadium financing done and stadium builders' licenses sold. Jed York made it happen, but the presence of Harbaugh these last three years has been a big reason for the 49ers turnaround, and getting that turnaround has likely been a big reason a lot of people decided to purchase SBLs. He's not the only reason for a lot of long-time 49ers fans and big businesses, but I have to think the success Harbaugh brought was a big help.