UPDATE 2-NFL-Head coach Harbaugh leaving San Francisco 49ers

* Harbaugh expected to land in Michigan * Signs off with win over Cardinals (Adds details, quotes) Dec 28 (Reuters) - The San Francisco 49ers and head coach Jim Harbaugh have parted ways, the National Football League team announced shortly after their regular season finale on Sunday. Harbaugh is widely expected to return the American college ranks and accept the head coaching position at the University of Michigan, which according to multiple media reports have offered him a six-year, $48 million deal. "I had the time of my life. There have been a lot of great memories and great moments," he told a post-game news conference after enjoying some friendly exchanges with his players on the sideline. The 49ers finished a tension filled season with a disappointing 8-8 record, missing the postseason. But the fiery Harbaugh signed off with a 20-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals and was handed the game ball after the final whistle. Harbaugh took over the 49ers in 2011, leading the team to three straight postseason berths including three NFC championship games and a Super Bowl appearance. He had a 49-22-1 overall record with the team and was 5-3 in the postseason. "He and his staff restored a winning culture that has been the standard for a franchise throughout its history. Their commitment and hard work resulted in a period of success that should be looked back on proudly," said 49ers CEO Jed York in a statement. The 49ers, an underachieving team in the seasons just before Harbaugh's arrival, made it to the Super Bowl at the end of the 2012 season where they lost to the Baltimore Ravens, coached by brother John. With exciting, athletic quarterback Colin Kaepernick and a talented roster, the team provided some entertaining football under the 51-year-old but lost their way in the past season. Harbaugh played quarterback for Michigan in the 1980s under Hall of Fame coach Bo Schembechler, who he frequently cites, and his father Jack was on the school's coaching staff. Asked during the news conference whether he expected to be the next coach at Michigan, Harbaugh said: "There will be announcements made concerning those things". York and 49ers general manager Trent Baalke will hold a news conference on Monday to address the organization's search for a new coach. (Reporting by Gene Cherry, Steve Keating and Simon Evans; Editing by Peter Rutherford/Gene Cherry)