49ers Training Camp: 5 Biggest Storylines to Watch in 2016
January 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Chip Kelly poses for a photo after being introduced as the new head coach for the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
No. 2: The Chip Kelly Effect
One of my good friends, his name is Noah, once told me that if former head coach Jim Harbaugh wasn’t the 49ers coach, that he could see new head coach Chip Kelly being their guy.
Surprising? Actually, yes, but very exciting.
When Kelly was named the 49ers coach on January 14, it was a day of much joy. The 49ers finally hired a coach who would open up their offense, and a smart coach at that. Known for his innovative spread offense (from the University of Oregon and the Philadelphia Eagles), Kelly also brings pedigree and experience to San Francisco.
Ninernoise.com’s Bobby Horne said it best, “San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly brings hope.” In his article, What does Chip Kelly Bring to the San Francisco 49ers?, Horne talks about Kelly’s innovative style, his winning pedigree and his endorsement from New England Patriots’ four-time Super Bowl Champion head coach, Bill Belichick.
Here are some of the things Belichick had to say:
"[Kelly will] end up somewhere, and he’ll do a great job there. I’d say a lot of the players that were on the Eagles that are no longer on the Eagles aren’t really doing too much for anybody else, either."
In Weitzman’s piece, he notes that Belichick took three years to install his program in New England, which was my prediction of general manager Trent Baalke on the last slide. If San Francisco is smart, the Niners give the “Chip Kelly Effect” time, because it’s pedigree, attitude, genius and winning, ultimately.
Just ask coach Belichick if you don’t believe.
Next: No. 1: The Quarterback Battle