There were excuses on the table for the lack of success under Roman, particularly an offensive line that lost both Pro Bowl offensive tackles, going through 29 starting combinations, and a backfield that dealt with injuries. However, Harbaugh refused to lean on those reasons to bring back his OC, noting that playoff success is the ultimate decider.
“There was much that was done well, much that was done really good,” Harbaugh said. “Multiple [offensive] line combinations, that was true. It was very hard, very tough. The NFL is unforgiving, it’s unfair, it’s hard, that’s the nature of the business.
“What we feel like is a direction that’s going to make us better, we’re always striving for that. “Whether that’s with players, coaches, myself included. It’s a results-oriented business.”
Harbaugh and Roman enjoyed success during their first run with the 49ers (2011-2014), but the league has changed much since then, and the Chargers’ offense needs a new voice to get Justin Herbert and crew to the next level.
“It starts with Justin. The respect, the people that want to work with him that have that same urgency that we have, I think it’s genuine they see it the same way,” Harbaugh said. “Justin’s as good, as smart as they come. I have no questions about his ability as a player. He’s not looking to be the GM or the coach. It’s our responsibility to put him in the best position possible.”
With Roman out and defensive coordinator Jesse Minter a hot head-coaching candidate, Harbaugh is likely to be looking at replacement leaders on both sides of the ball this offseason.
