The 49ers are willing to find out if Chip Kelly can breathe life into their stagnant offense. They’ve tabbed the former University of Oregon and Philadelphia Eagles coach as Jim Tomsula’s successor.
The 49ers are willing to find out if Chip Kelly can breathe life into their stagnant offense. They’ve tabbed the former University of Oregon and Philadelphia Eagles coach as Jim Tomsula’s successor.
“As one of the most historic franchises in the National Football League, I realize the high standards and expectations that this position demands and I embrace the challenges ahead,” Kelly said in a team-issued statement.
Kelly’s selection Thursday caps an 11-day search that included seven other known candidates, including Mike Shanahan, a fellow finalist who was the 49ers offensive coordinator when they last won the Super Bowl 21 years ago.
Kelly’s introductory news conference isn’t expected to occur until next Tuesday or Wednesday, as he compiles his staff, according to a team spokesman.
“My immediate focus is to build the best coaching staff possible, one that will maximize the abilities of each of our players and put us in the best position to win football games,” Kelly added.
The 49ers’ personnel power still belongs to general manager Trent Baalke, who’s insisted that all coaches have had input on roster decisions since he took over in 2010.
Baalke spearheaded the search that included interviews with Hue Jackson, Tom Coughlin, Mike Shanahan, Dirk Koetter, Anthony Lynn and John DeFilippo. New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton and Stanford coach David Shaw were believed to be high on the 49ers’ wish list but neither interviewed for the post.
“Chip possesses all the qualities we were looking for in our next head coach,” Baalke said in a statement. “He has demonstrated the ability to be innovative everywhere he has coached and has had great success throughout his career.”