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By David Fucillo
December 16, 2013
49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh met with the media, and had plenty to talk about following the 49ers 33-14 win over the Bucs. We have a transcript for your viewing pleasure.
Have you asked K Phil Dawson to stay beyond this season, yet?
"No, let me do that right now. Phil, stay beyond this season, please. No, I've been remiss asking him to do that. Let me officially ask him to stay beyond this season."
That is a legitimate question.
"Absolutely. I'm glad you brought it up. 24 straight field goals and he has just been a top-notch guy too on the team from the day he got here. Just a real guy's guy. Real football player in every sense of the word, which that always doesn't get affixed to kickers and punters, but Phil is that kind of a teammate. It's about the team. It's about accomplishing the mission and the goal of the team and him doing his job within that. That's the way I truly believe the way he looks at it. So, it's been A-plus-plus. Very happy with Phil. Nothing not to be happy with him about. Just so good on the field, off the field, in the locker, in the community, etc."
Bowman was saying the other day that he sees Phil Dawson here when he doesn't have to be here. Have you observed some of those moments where he's here--?
"He's got a perfect attendance in the offseason. I've not seen a lot of kickers and punters have perfect attendance before. But yeah, he's committed. He's made a great sacrifice too. His family's not here and they come and visit. He talks about them all the time. He's a great role model too for all of us, just how much he loves his wife, how much he loves his kids, how much he talks about them. Just the way he does so many things right. It's great for everybody to see that."
How much does he influence your decision making? He's become so reliable and so automatic on these field goals, as you drive guys drive downfield, I'm sure it shapes play-calling and your decisions. How has it affected your job during games?
"It does. It's shaped it in a positive way. You feel you know you have the option and the high probability that he's going to make the kicks."
So, a long-term deal coming up?
"Pay the man."
