re: Let's go over the Harbaugh/Michigan timeline/questions...

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1. Do the 49ers have to wait until the end of the regular season to begin trade negotiations with another team?

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Harbaugh isn't going to accept a trade. Why would he? The issue is that SF can make this tough on Harbaugh by taking this process slow. That's why Michigan might not be a viable alternative. SF isn't going to want to fire him if they think he'll leave on his own (they don't want to pay him next year's salary). Harbaugh isn't going to leave on his own, if he's going to be fired (he wants next year's salary).

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2. If Harbaugh quit before either of the 49ers' last two games to take the Michigan job, would he forgo part of his salary?

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Yes, of course. And, next year's salary. There may even be penalties. Plus, it's not what professionals do. I don't see him doing that. The Michigan window opens and closes right after the regular season ends. I think it would take an agreement between Harbaugh and SF which, given their relationship, is likely harder than it sounds.

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3. Does Harbaugh aspire to have more control than just being a head coach? eg, GM of an NFL team or AD at a university

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I doubt that is a sticking point if he's with a quality organization. The days of GM/Coaches are behind us for the most part. If he goes to Oakand, that may be a different story.

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4. Would coaching at Michigan afford him significant more time to spend with his wife and children?

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I don't think so. Both jobs are terribly time consuming. If you believe the family angle is important, it probably leads more towards staying in the Bay area.

The biggest factor in Harbaugh to Michigan is Harbaugh's ego. The opportunity to be viewed as a hero could be compelling to him. Other than that, I think he'll find another NFL job...and he'll do it after SF fires him.