Report: Browns wanted to trade for 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh; San Fran calls report 'ridiculous'

49ers coach Jim Harbaugh has a 36-11-1 record in three seasons as an NFL head coach. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

During their head coaching search, the Cleveland Browns almost traded for the rights to San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh, Pro Football Talk reports.

According to the report, multiple draft picks were in play to be sent to the 49ers for Harbaugh's services. Ultimately, Harbaugh declined being part of such a deal and Cleveland had to look elsewhere, according to the report.

The Niners called the report "ridiculous," however.

The Browns ended up hiring former Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Mike Pettine.

The last time an NFL team traded its head coach was in 2002, when Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden was traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for two first-round draft picks, two second-round draft picks, and $8 million in cash. Gruden led the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl title over the Raiders in his first season with the team.

Harbaugh has led the 49ers to the NFC Championship game in each of his three seasons in San Francisco and reached the Super Bowl at the end of the 2012 season.

The Browns released a statement to ESPNCleveland.com's Tony Grossi following the release of Pro Football Talk's report, which Grossi tweeted out.

#Browns spokesman Zak Gilbert on PFT Harbaugh story: "The team conducted an extensive coaching search, and explored several options ...
— Tony Grossi (@TonyGrossi) February 21, 2014

#Browns spokesman cont: "That search produced an outstanding head coach in Mike Pettine and we're excited about his future with the club."
— Tony Grossi (@TonyGrossi) February 21, 2014

So #Browns don't deny Harbaugh story.
— Tony Grossi (@TonyGrossi) February 21, 2014