York acknowledges Browns made inquiry, but it was quickly rejected.
San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York has insisted that the team wants to keep coach Jim Harbaugh and they had “no interest” in a deal with the Cleveland Browns.
York acknowledged that the Browns had made an inquiry for Harbaugh, but insists that the Niners were quick to reject any proposed deal, despite reports to the contrary suggesting that negotiations were on-going and an agreement was close.
“Not far at all,” York told the Sacramento Bee when asked how far talks progressed. “We had no interest in entering those discussions.”
Pro Football Talk reported last Friday that the Browns and 49ers were close to a deal for Harbaugh that would sent multiple draft picks to San Francisco as part of the package, but ultimately the deal was rejected and talks have since ceased.
Nevertheless, the speculation is set to rumble on until the 49ers and Harbaugh agree on a new long-term deal, with his current contract set to expire next summer, despite York insisting that he wants his current coach to stay on.
Harbaugh has led San Francisco to three consecutive NFC Championships games, losing out to the Baltimore Ravens in the Super Bowl in 2013, and he was also insistent last week that he was not aware of any deal with the Browns for his services.
Meanwhile, Cleveland, who never denied their interest in the Niners coach, released a statement last week which reiterates their full confidence in current coach Mike Pettine, while owner Jimmy Haslem said talks took place with San Francisco but nothing materialised.
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