San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick is hopeful that head coach Jim Harbaugh will still be with the club next season.

Harbaugh has been linked with return to the college game with the vacant post at the Michigan Wolverines, while several NFL teams are also reportedly interested in acquiring his services as the 50-year-old looks set to leave the Bay Area.

"That's something I can't fully wrap my mind around why that would be the situation," Kaepernick told reporters.

"But he has my full support, no matter if he's here or somewhere else. I hope he's back here and I think he's a great coach."

The 49ers were eliminated from playoff contention following their defeat to the Seattle Seahawks.