Chip Kelly on return to college: ‘I wouldn’t rule anything out’

The San Francisco 49ers just started a major shake-up, firing general manager Trent Baalke and coach Chip Kelly recently.

Both moves were predictable, as was the release of Baalke, whose success as a GM with the 49ers now, it’s clear, was dependent on how Jim Harbaugh molded and improved the players Baalke gave him. Who should replace Baalke? Kelly was supposed to be the remedy, but things only got worse. Since then, the 49ers have dipped to 8-8 in 2014, 5-11 in 2015 and 2-14 in 2016.

“I have informed Trent and Chip of my decision to pursue new leadership for our football team”, 49ers CEO Jed York said in a statement. “The team has not lived up to any expectations, especially for our fans, and that is truly disappointing”. He initially showed promise with the Eagles – and got them to the playoffs in his first season – but finished 26-21 in three years.

The new direction for the Chargers looks like it will be north a bit to become a tenant of Stan Kroenke and the Los Angeles Rams in the new Inglewood, California palace that will open in a few years.

Since Harbaugh was forced to take his act back to college at the University of MI, the 49ers have turned from powerhouse to laughingstock in record time, compiling a 7-25 record, including a franchise-worst 2-14 mark under Kelly, whom the team will pay millions just to go away and wreak havoc somewhere else. The new GM and coach will decide on who stays with the organization.

Some of the coaching/GM combos mentioned in media reports as possibilities include include Patriots executive Nick Caserio and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels; Atlanta Falcons executive Scott Pioli and offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, though the Broncos would seem to have a strong advantage given Mike Shanahan’s history with the franchise; and Seattle Seahawks executives Trent Kirchner and Scott Fitterer and offensive-line coach Tom Cable. Former team QB, friend of President/GM John Elway and successful coach Gary Kubiak stepped down after two seasons and one Super Bowl win.

Health issues are believed to have influenced Kubiak’s decision.

Jed says he always has his uncle Eddie DeBartolo Jr.to talk to, but I’ve heard they rarely speak these days, and Eddie rightfully doesn’t have much time for a nephew who has ignored his sage advice pretty much since Levi’s Stadium was finalized.

“I am absolutely embarrassed about this”, York said. Jaguars coach Gus Bradley was sacked before week 16 after a season that started with a little bit of promise after a decent showing in a losing effort against Green Bay opening week but went downhill from there.

“The situation we’re in is unfortunate”, Staley said. We were also expecting at least one person to be fired.

Try to get past the fact that he’s a cocky dick for just one second.

There’s no rush or timetable on when the 49ers will make the two hires.

Shanahan has an interview scheduled with the Jaguars, The MMQB reported. Many of the Niners themselves came out in support of Kelly after his firing (h/t CSN Bay Area).

The Buffalo Bills-who fired Rex Ryan last week are looking for a coach as well. There are persistent rumblings Sean Payton is ready to move on from New Orleans and nobody knows if the Jets will stick with Todd Bowles.