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5 Pros and 5 Cons of Head Coach Chip Kelly Leaving the San Francisco 49ers

By Peter Panacy

Chip Kelly before an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Chip Kelly before an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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October 23, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
October 23, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Pro: A New Head Coach Would Likely Have a Clean Slate

Chip Kelly didn’t inherit roster control when he signed with the 49ers. Those duties fell on general manager Trent Baalke.

Baalke’s efforts in recent years are largely responsible for the current state of the team. There isn’t any denying that. And it’s safe to say he’s on the hot seat entering the offseason, and it wouldn’t be surprising if Baalke is jettisoned in January.

Who knows if a new head coach would assume GM duties in Santa Clara. But there’s a good chance he’ll have some major influence.

San Francisco has needs across the board. And the Niners should have a great deal of cap space to hit free agency this offseason — $46,305,666, as projected by Over the Cap.

The next head coach won’t be forced to embrace the current state of the roster or whatever scheme is trying to be implemented. No, he could start afresh.