San Francisco 49ers: Ranking 5 worst head coaches over last 20 years
By Peter Panacy
No. 4: 49ers Head Coach Jim Tomsula
Years Coaching: 2010, 2015
Win-Loss Record: 6-11
Fans were understandably critical of Jim Tomsula during and shortly after his 2015 campaign, although it’s probable critics will look back more favorably on Jimmy T in coming seasons.
True, Tomsula wasn’t equipped to be a head coach at the NFL level. His press conferences were hard enough to watch, and his overly relaxed approach to practices resulted in one of the most ineffective and boring offenses the 49ers put together in recent years.
But one has to remember the mess Tomsula inherited. The 2015 Niners were going through quite the tumult, both in terms of the front office post Jim Harbaugh and on the roster. Standout contributors like linebacker Patrick Willis, defensive end Justin Smith and offensive tackle Anthony Davis all retired. Wide receiver Michael Crabtree, guard Mike Iupati and running back Frank Gore moved on. EDGE Aldon Smith was released during the summer, too.
In some ways, it’s almost miraculous Tomsula managed to get the team to five wins in 2015.
Interestingly enough, Tomsula’s selection managed to overcome a would-be grab of now-New York Jets head coach Adam Gase, who was a 49ers candidate at the time.
Considering Gase’s troubles both with the Jets and Miami Dolphins, maybe the Tomsula hiring was actually a blessing in disguise for San Francisco in a roundabout way.