Chip Kelly’s reign as San Francisco’s coach has come to an end. Photo Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The San Francisco 49ers made it official on Sunday night: coach Chip Kelly and general manager Trent Baalke have been fired.
Baalke on Sunday morning actually confirmed reports that he was fired Friday by CEO Jed York. Kelly heard reports Saturday night that he would be fired, too, and learned his fate in a meeting with York not long after the 49ers’ 25-23 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium.
“I have informed Trent and Chip of my decision to pursue new leadership for our football team,” York said in a press release. “These types of conversations are never easy, especially when they involve people you respect personally and professionally.
“Trent gave this organization every ounce of effort he had over the last 12 years and his contributions were integral to the team reaching three straight NFC Championship Games and a Super Bowl. I will forever be grateful for his dedication to the 49ers and his friendship to me and my family. … Chip has my gratitude for the job he did this year, navigating the team through some adverse circumstances.
“Despite my feelings for Trent and Chip, I felt the decision to change our football leadership was absolutely necessary. The performance of this team has not lived up to my expectations or those of our fans, and that is truly disappointing.”
The 49ers finished 2-14 in Kelly’s lone season, one year after Jim Tomsula went 5-11 in his only season as San Francisco’s coach. Tomsula took over after Jim Harbaugh was fired following an 8-8 season in 2014.
During his postgame news conference, Kelly said he talked to York on Saturday night after reports of his likely firing came out. Kelly said it was a “normal conversation” and York said they’d talk again after the game.
Kelly said he wasn’t distracted Sunday during the game by those reports.
“I love these players, so I think if I was distracted I wouldn’t be giving them what they deserved, and they give me everything every day so I have to give back to them,” he said. “Those guys are awesome.”
Baalke, during a pregame interview on KNBR, the 49ers’ flagship station, said it was time for major changes.
“Sometimes you need to reset the culture,” Baalke said. “When you have a winning culture, which we did in 2011, ’12, ’13 and ’14, a lot of good football players, a lot of memorable games we went through together. Then you transition. At some point, those veteran guys move on.
“Blending in with younger guys, and sometimes it takes a little longer than you’d like. And this is probably one of those situations. But I do think there’s some very good young talent on this team. With a good offseason, the right reset, I think good things are ahead for them.”
Baalke said he wasn’t surprise by his firing.
“We’ve done some awful good things,” Baalke said. “Some very successful seasons. Unfortunately regret we weren’t able to bring a championship to the Bay Area, which they so deserve. … Wish this organization nothing but the best moving forward. I do see a bright future for them.”
The 49ers’ immediate future involves hiring a new GM and then their fourth coach in four years.
“He’s a good dude,” 49ers wide receiver Torrey Smith said of Kelly. “I understand the business side of it. I think he’s a good coach. I think he’s a better person. That’s how this business goes. Plenty of good people in tough spots.
“When we lose like we did and have a season like we had, changes are made or can be made. That’s from coaches to players. It’s all of us. We’re all a part of the problems. That’s why our record is what it is.”
Veteran offensive tackle Joe Staley said it’s “frustrating” to keep missing the playoffs and firing coaches.
“The situation we’re in is unfortunate,” Staley said. It’s frustrating. …Things are going to be different next year. We just have to move forward. We know things have to change in that room. Whatever changes come about, you have to put yourself in the best position going forward.”
Kelly, 53, owns a 28-35 record in four seasons as an NFL coach, including three with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Baalke spent 12 seasons with the team and served as the team’s general manager since 2011. Previously, he was the 49ers’ director of player personnel from 2008 to 2009 and was elevated to vice president of player personnel in 2010. He was the team’s Western region scout from 2005 until 2007.
San Francisco went 51-43-1, made three playoff appearances and won the 2012 NFC Championship Game en route to a 34-31 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII during Baalke’s tenure as GM.
By virtue of having the NFL’s second-worst record, the 49ers will be awarded the second overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
