Last week, the NFL Combine was rocked by a report that San Francisco 49ers had almost completed a trade to send head coach Jim Harbaugh to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for multiple picks in this April’s draft. Although nothing eventually came from the rumor, the proposed trade would have been perfect for both parties.

The Browns eventually settled on Mike Pettine, the former Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator, as its new coach, and Harbaugh stayed with the 49ers, with two years left on his contract. For even a potential trade to be set up to get rid of the coach shows there are serious problems between coach and front office. The 49ers have reached the NFC Championship game in each of Harbaugh’s first three seasons and reached the Super Bowl in his second year as the head coach.

However, their success on the field has apparently not cooled the atmosphere behind closed doors. Trent Baalke, the team’s general manager, and Harbaugh have clashed since the coach left Stanford in 2011. In the past, Harbaugh has been very open in his criticism about the way the team is managed, especially with its draft picks.

The proposed trade would have been the perfect solution for both parties. The Browns, who finished 4-12 last season, would have a chance to turn their organization around, and the 49ers would not only end the conflict, but also gain much-needed young talent. Harbaugh did have a point, though – the 49ers’ last two draft classes have only resulted in one starter, safety Eric Reid.

It may be too late now for Jim Harbaugh to go coach the Browns, but he should jump ship whenever he has the chance. As long as he collides with his bosses, his job is never going to be safe, no matter how many games he wins. He should leave while he is still on top and has control over where he would like to go. Otherwise, he is at the mercy of the 49ers’ front office.

Although they couldn’t find a punishment much worse than being sent to Cleveland.