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San Francisco 49ers: Short List of Head Coach Candidates in 2016

By Peter Panacy

Jan 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton on the sideline in the third quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Saints won 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton on the sideline in the third quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Saints won 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 6, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly looks on from the sidelines during the second half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly looks on from the sidelines during the second half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /

Chip Kelly

Former Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly, who was fired in advance of Week 17, is one name already linked to the 49ers in 2016.

Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Kelly reached out to San Francisco to express his interest in the job.

Kelly spent the better part of three seasons coaching the Eagles after a successful collegiate run at the University of Oregon. He has a great offensive mind but also extended his control over an Eagles team that, ultimately, underperformed and disappointed in 2015.

Why He Fits:

The 49ers need an offensive-minded head coach after their offense finished dead last in the NFL this season. And Kelly could be the one available coach who could rejuvenate quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s sinking career should the 49ers still want to go that route.

Why He Doesn’t Fit:

Kelly gambled on his own abilities in 2015 with the Eagles and seized more control than was probably good for him. He may be willing to take less control with a new team, but can he really jell with general manager Trent Baalke?

Doubtful.

The Likelihood:

San Francisco may explore the option, but hiring Kelly doesn’t seem likely at all.

Next: Mike Holmgren