SEATTLE – The San Francisco 49ers have hired former Philadelphia Eagles coach Chip Kelly as its new head coach, the team announced Thursday.
The 49ers, who went from NFC Championship Game participant vs. the Seahawks in 2013 to last place in the NFC West in just two years, are hoping Kelly can revitalize the franchise. The 49ers have come under fire from fans who were upset the team parted ways with coach Jim Harbaugh after 2014 and replaced him with player favorite Jim Tomsula.
Kelly was fired by the Eagles after going 26-21 in three seasons. He made a splash when he entered the league in 2013 with his up-tempo, no-huddle, college-style offense he brought from Oregon. He led the Eagles to a 10-6 record and NFC East title, but lost in the first round of the playoffs. He missed the postseason the next two years, finishing 6-9 this season. He was let go before the last game of the year.
Kelly was given full personnel control in his final season which many say contributed to his demise. He jettisoned such Pro Bowl-caliber players as running back LeSean McCoy, receivers DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin, and guard Evan Mathis. Some of those players called Kelly out publicly. Another who spoke out was running back DeMarco Murray, who the Eagles signed before last season. Murray complained about play calling and the limited number of carries he received.
Kelly will be the 20th head coach in franchise history.
The 49ers went 5-11 in 2015, but it wasn't just a coaching problem. Running back Frank Gore, receiver Michael Crabtree, and guard Mike Iupati all left in free agency. Linebackers Patrick Willis and Chris Borland retired before the season. Linebacker Aldon Smith was jettisoned after too many off-the field issues. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick and running back Reggie Bush were lost to injury.
Fans made it be known the record wasn't good enough by leaving thousands of seats empty for the Niners' final two games this season. Tomsula was fired after just one season.
