
For the second time in as many years, the San Francisco 49ers are in the market for a head coach after dismissing Jim Tomsula. A number of names have already been linked to the Niners for the 2016 season.
The Jim Tomsula era in San Francisco didn’t last long — unless you count his term as defensive line coach — and the 49ers are now on the hunt for a new head coach for the 2016 season.
This comes after Tomsula, who replaced former head coach Jim Harbaugh after 2014, went 5-11 with the Niners and was at the helm of a team almost entirely without excitement, competitiveness and intrigue over 16 regular-season games.
But that’s in the past now, and the 49ers have already been linked to a number of head-coaching candidates.
Exactly who winds up getting the job? It’s tough to say at this point given the overwhelming variety of factors on the table.
Fans learned a little about what may happen during CEO Jed York’s press conference Monday morning. Click the link for the entire piece.
Watch 49ers CEO Jed York's full press conference on-demand: https://t.co/lf84O1bEvv pic.twitter.com/MIVnjFN86o
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) January 4, 2016
But some of York’s comments speak directly to the selection process. Here are some quotes from the compilation of comments, courtesy of David Fucillo of Niners Nation:
"We have a clear understanding of what we want. We want a leader. We want somebody that has a clear strategic vision. We definitely have a short list. This is going to be a very, very competitive offseason, so I hope you understand I’m not going to get into the details of that list. But, we have a clear understanding of what we’re looking for. I think information, whether it’s coming from agents or from people, we will try to keep this as close to the vest as possible. I don’t want to tip our hand to everyone else that’s looking for a head coach. I think we want to make sure that we have a clear communication with our fans, but I don’t want to do anything that’s going to potentially put us at a disadvantage for hiring the next head coach."
York also added the new head coach would have control over his staff — something the 49ers attempted to influence last season when Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Adam Gase learned when he was interviewing for the vacancy a season ago. San Francisco wanted Gase to take Tomsula as his defensive coordinator. Gase said no.
There will continue to be plenty of rumors circulating until a head coach lands a job in Santa Clara. So let’s take a look at some of the names who could find themselves within the 49ers hierarchy in 2016.
Next: Chip Kelly