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San Francisco 49ers: A Primer for the 2016 NFL Offseason

By Peter Panacy

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Dec 20, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Tomsula looks on during the third quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Levi's Stadium. The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the San Francisco 49ers 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Tomsula looks on during the third quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Levi’s Stadium. The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the San Francisco 49ers 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /

Address the Coaching Staff

One of the first things that needs to take place — and likely it will — immediately after the 49ers regular season is the establishment of the 2016 coaching staff.

It doesn’t take much to realize head coach Jim Tomsula hasn’t won over the fan base during his brief tenure at the helm of the on-field efforts. But, if you’re believing CBS Sports’ Jay Feely (h/t Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area), the likelihood Tomsula is relieved of duties is awfully slim.

Recent reports have suggested Tomsula could be dismissed after Week 17.

This could happen, of course, shortly after the end of the season. Anything is possible. But if CEO Jed York and Co. elect to part ways with Tomsula after just one season, the front office is now faced with yet another looming question.

December 20, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterbacks coach Geep Chryst before the game against the San Diego Chargers at Levi’s Stadium. The Chargers defeated the 49ers 38-35. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 20, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterbacks coach Geep Chryst before the game against the San Diego Chargers at Levi’s Stadium. The Chargers defeated the 49ers 38-35. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Who would want to take over a head-coaching gig in San Francisco?

CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora suggested former Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly was on the 49ers’ radar. And NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reported the Saints head coach Sean Payton could be another possibility if he’s no longer in New Orleans next season.

Additionally, Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News put together a short list of potential head coaches who might be on York’s radar this offseason. We won’t get into the specifics, but Tomsula’s possible dismissal would open up more issues the front office would have to solve.

What does need to happen is an overall evaluation of the 49ers’ offensive situation. Offensive coordinator Geep Chryst was responsible for red-zone play-calling in 2014 — not a 49er strength — and saw his offense finish dead last on offense in 2015.

Those aren’t positive points on a resume regardless of the whirlwind of problems that faced the franchise this year.

A logical guess would suggest the 49ers would try to lure in an offensive-minded coach to land the offensive coordinator gig should it open up. Or San Francisco could consider quarterbacks coach Steve Logan to helm this side of the ball.

Whatever the case may be, look for the 49ers to address and solidify their coaching staff at the soonest possible opportunity.

Update: The 49ers have fired head coach Jim Tomsula, per the team’s website.

Next: Making the Call on 49ers Free Agents