SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Jim Harbaugh walked through the locker room saying emotional goodbyes, offering a handshake or hug while wishing his players well and planning his long-anticipated but bittersweet departure from the San Francisco 49ers.

He just didn’t specify where exactly he is headed next, though it might wind up being one of football’s most poorly kept secrets. The hints were everywhere.

Harbaugh would neither confirm nor deny that he is indeed about to accept the job at alma mater, Michigan, except to acknowledge he wouldn’t be around come Monday.

When asked specifically about taking over the Wolverines program, he said, “There will be announcements made concerning those things.”

Harbaugh will not fulfill the final season of his $25 million, five-year contract coaching the 49ers that he signed in January 2011, reaching a mutual agreement with the team to part ways. The announcement came after Sunday’s 20-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals and following an 8-8 season in which San Francisco had hoped to establish some momentum in new $1.3 billion Levi’s Stadium.

“It’s been the time of my life,” Harbaugh said. “Been a lot of great memories, great moments. ... It’s been a tremendous four years, it’s been a pleasure to work and serve for this organization. I feel great about what we accomplished.”

Might he miss the NFL if he moves to Ann Arbor?

“Is the NFL going somewhere?” Harbaugh quipped.

Harbaugh and his players gathered for one final, familiar chant: “Who’s got it better than us? No-body!”

The unraveling of 2014 began months ago, almost a year back, really. San Francisco lost in the NFC championship game last January at Seattle, then watched the rival Seahawks go on to win it all. Shortly after, CEO Jed York acknowledged the Cleveland Browns inquired about trading for Harbaugh.

The 49ers saw thousands of empty seats at most games this season. San Francisco was eliminated from playoff contention with a 17-7 loss at Seattle on Dec. 14, its second defeat to the rival Seahawks in an 18-day stretch.

Harbaugh guided the 49ers to three straight NFC championship games and a Super Bowl near miss.