The 49ers haven’t been right since parting ways with Jim Harbaugh two seasons ago, and today they made major moves again by firing head Coach Chip Kelly after one season, and GM Trent Baalke, who has been with the organization since 2005.
This season Chip Kelly dealt with Colin Kaepernick’s movement and the ensuing backlash, poor quarterback play from both Blaine Gabbert and Kaepernick, a rush defense that couldn’t stop anyone or their mother and, ultimately, an overall record of 2-14.
The rumored dismissals were confirmed Sunday, ending with the statement below from the team’s CEO, Jed York:
I have informed Trent and Chip of my decision to pursue new leadership for our football team. These types of conversations are never easy, especially when they involve people you respect personally and professionally.
Trent gave this organization every ounce of effort he had over the last 12 years and his contributions were integral to the team reaching three straight NFC Championship Games and a Super Bowl. I will forever be grateful for his dedication to the 49ers, and his friendship to me and my family. I wish Trent, Beth and their daughters the very best in whatever the future holds for their family.
Chip has my gratitude for the job he did this year, navigating the team through some adverse circumstances. I look forward to watching his career continue to unfold, and wish him and Jill great success in life.
Despite my feelings for Trent and Chip, I felt the decision to change our football leadership was absolutely necessary. The performance of this team has not lived up to my expectations or those of our fans, and that is truly disappointing. We all expected to see this team progress and develop as the season went on, but unfortunately that did not happen. That is why now is the time to find a new direction for this team.
Giving a coach one season, especially with the roster Kelly inherited, is unfair. But obviously something wasn’t right in with the team and the men leading them, so changes were basically deemed necessary. We’ll see if the 49ers can entice a big name college coach to make the leap or if they continue the trend of recycling the usual names from the NFL coaching carousel.
