BOARDMAN, Ohio (AP) — Coach Jim Harbaugh will hold a San Francisco 49ers practice anywhere — even a hotel parking lot.
Harbaugh had players pounding the pavement in a brisk walkthrough Wednesday before going to work for real at Stambaugh Stadium on the campus of nearby Youngstown State.
It is all part of Harbaugh’s plan to build team unity. After beating the Bengals in Cincinnati on Sunday 13-8, the 49ers chose to stay in Ohio to practice for their upcoming game in Philadelphia. Youngstown was a natural fit as it is the home of 49ers co-chairman Denise DeBartolo York, whose family has owned the club for years.
Quarterback Alex Smith said the 49ers have bought into Harbaugh’s family approach. While not returning to California to practice may appear unorthodox, Smith said it gives the offense a chance to become closer.
