Forget the dismissal of Jim Harbaugh. Yes, that should factor into the conversation, but that has already been discussed to death. This is not yet another piece about Harbaugh. It is a piece about the men that could not coexist with Harbaugh. It is a piece focusing on San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York and general manager Trent Baalke. We are going to take a look at the mess of a hiring process that took place to find Harbaugh's replacement in San Francisco.
Most of the media has been shocked by what has occurred within the 49ers organization over the past couple of months. This was a team that emerged from mediocrity to once again become one of the elite teams in the league. Now, the near future for the team may not be as bright, fans may not be quick to forgive, and management only has itself to blame.
Long before Harbaugh's departure, the chatter from around the league and those still close to the organization was that defensive line coach Jim Tomsula would be his replacement. Of course, fans figured that this must be plan Z, right? The plan if all else failed. Surely there were better candidates that would be interested in taking over a roster as talented as the one in San Francisco.
The search for a new head coach took a lot longer than anyone thought it would. Even longer than the estimate that York and Baalke gave following the "mutual" separation of the team and its former head coach. This must have meant that they were either being very thorough or that they were waiting for someone specific on a playoff team to become eligible to interview. They had their eye on someone, which meant that a Tomsula scenario might not actually occur.
The team had shown interest in a number of candidates, from guys like former Denver Broncos and Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan to New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.
The team even had defensive mastermind Vic Fangio, the team's defensive coordinator at the time, as an option. It was all but assured that if Tomsula leapfrogged him for the head coaching job, Fangio was as good as gone. However, Fangio admitted that he might have considered staying if someone like Shanahan were hired. He might have even stayed if someone else was hired, depending on how initial discussions with the new head coach went. This was reason to believe that the team's defensive coaching staff had at least a chance to remain strong after the transition.
Of course, few from the existing coaching staff were given any impression that they would be welcome to return. They were free to interview with other teams while their jobs in San Francisco remained in limbo.
Over the past week, a lot of information came out on what really went down in San Francisco during this whole coaching fiasco. Tim Kawakami really outdid himself during a podcast interview with Harbaugh, where the big take away was confirmation that his departure from the 49ers are far from mutual. After the team's week 15 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, Harbaugh learned that he would not be allowed to return to the 49ers. Jed York repeatedly insisted that the divorce was mutual. Contrary to what York said, Harbaugh stated, "I didn't leave the 49ers. I felt like the 49er hierarchy left me."
This paints York as a liar and as someone that fans cannot trust.
Later, Kawakami revealed what really occurred with the 49ers' strange and abrupt ending to their pursuit of Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase.
The team had real interest in making Gase their next head coach. Alone, that did not give fans much reason to rejoice. Gase did not seem like an upgrade to his predecessor. However, it was a fresh face who possibly had fresh ideas and he had experience as an offensive coach — an area the 49ers struggled with this past season. Although, some questioned his skill level. After all, he had Peyton Manning to work with in Denver, but with the right staff around him, this could have been a good hire.
There were reports that the 49ers had a deal in place to make Gase the new head coach after Baalke met with him in Colorado for over seven hours. It even got down to the details on who Gase wanted as his coordinators. Here comes the painful part for 49ers fans. NFL Network's Albert Breer revealed on Monday that Gase wanted to keep Fangio on as the team's defensive coordinator if he was willing to remain onboard. If not, his backup plan included highly regarded secondary coach Vance Joseph of the Cincinnati Bengals.
It's probably no coincidence that the 49ers would later pursue Joseph to be their defensive coordinator after the Tomsula hire.
With the details in place, Baalke traveled back to the Bay Area and it looked like Gase would become the 49ers' new head coach. Gase was even willing to keep Tomsula on as the team's defensive line coach with a title promotion. After all, they worked together on Mike Nolan's staff in 2008.
Then something changed the next morning. Gase was informed by the 49ers that he could only have the job is Tomsula was named his defensive coordinator. Gase said n.
The 49ers then quickly announced the hiring of Tomsula as their new head coach and Gase was out. Of course, after all of this, Baalke would say that the head coaching job was offered to just one person — Jim Tomsula — and that the whole Gase portion was simply "part of the interview process." This was before more of the facts were reported and if you ask Gase, he may have a different answer.
Over the weekend, it was revealed that Fangio would have remained with the 49ers had Gase been hired as the head coach. So the team could have had Gase as the head coach, Fangio as the defensive coordinator, anyone but Greg Roman as the offensive coordinator, and Jim Tomsula would have remained on the staff.
Adding insult to injury, after all of this insanity, the 49ers tried to get Gase to join Tomsula's staff as the team's offensive coordinator. It wasn't enough to insult Fangio, but they had to do the same thing to Gase. The 49ers' loss would become the Chicago Bears' gain as Gase and Fangio landed there as the offensive and defensive coordinators.
After struggling to attract the interest of any external coaches, the 49ers would be left with Geep Chryst as their offensive coordinator and Eric Mangini as their defensive coordinator. Prior to this, Chryst was the quarterbacks coach and Mangini was the tight ends coach. Although, Mangini does have experience on the defensive side of the ball.
A possible coaching problem goes well beyond something that can simply be fixed in a couple of years with another hire. The 49ers will need to continue to focus on the NFL Draft to build the team because San Francisco may no longer be seen as desirable destination for free agents or even assistant coaches and being so close to the salary cap limit will prevent the team from acquiring free agents that are just looking for a pay day.
Last week, it was reported that the 49ers will have the third-toughest schedule in 2015. Just getting through the divisional games will not be a simple task. Every NFC West team is getting stronger. The Arizona Cardinals and the St. Louis Rams will likely be healthier and better than their 2014 counterparts and the Seattle Seahawks are the defending NFC Champions. Each team is loaded with talent. The biggest difference between those teams and the 49ers are the coaching staffs. Right now, Pete Carroll, Bruce Arians, Jeff Fisher and their coaching staffs have to be considered stronger than what is in San Francisco. At least on paper they are. When you ask yourself if the 49ers are closer to a first place or last place team within the division, the truthful answer may scare you.
Of course, this team could shock its critics. Stranger things have happened. Of course, we won't know that for over six months and all we can do right now is speculate.
No one is hoping for Tomsula to fail. Quite the contrary actually. When you learn more about him and his career, the guy is genuinely likable and you automatically want him to succeed. Fans are hoping that he succeeds. Players are hoping he succeeds. York and Baalke are probably praying for him to succeed. The problem is that he may have been thrown into a situation that he is not ready for. He bumbled through early interviews with the media in embarrassing fashion. Hopefully, he is a better head coach than interviewee. Hopefully he and his staff surprise us all.
If the 49ers stall out of the gate, no one is going to blame Tomsula. They will blame the men who put him in a position to fail. The same men who let their egos tear apart a strong 49ers team because they could not figure out a way to coexist with the previous regime.
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Anthony Torres
Ever since they forces DeBartolo out, the team has sucked,except the few years Harbaugh coached. The management of the Niners has been the worst! They seem to have no idea where they want to go and their draft picks have been miserable failures. I will not spend my money nor time to watch the Niners on TV,it hurts too much,frankly.
Aug 3, 2015 at 6:34 AM
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Buford
An "owner" (he really ISN'T an owner!) who TWEETS like a 14 year old, (after the 49s lose a game) has no business running as NFL franchise. Go back to playing video games and leave football to a professional; this company is too big for him to handle. Has York even played football before? Boycott the stadium and don't watch them on TV...
Apr 22, 2015 at 9:53 AM
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NJNIERFAN
This team has had too much turnover and turmoil to succeed. Watching an owner and a GM sabotage a team is downright painful. But as fans, we do have the power. Send a message to Jed and Trent and don't purchase their tickets. I tell you this, if this season starts off on a bad note, the stadium will be reminiscent of candlestick 2004-10.
Mar 3, 2015 at 10:46 AM
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WeWillWinAgain
Great article. I feel it represents how the majority of Niner fans feel. Before JH was coach, this team had nearly a decade of turmoil. I foresee many struggles in the near future. Maybe this time the fans will actually get their request, and have Jed vacate the throne.
Feb 25, 2015 at 11:47 AM
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zachameen
I have lost interest in following 49ers.
Feb 25, 2015 at 11:18 AM
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Ninerfan4907
The team is setup to fail and Balke will be let go. Maybe by the end of this year, I hope.
Tough time to be a Niners fan.
Feb 24, 2015 at 4:55 PM
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Tgr...
Didn't the niners have a stocked roster of very good players with mediocre coaches before jimbo and co. arrive? Those were non playoff years right? Guess what, a stocked roster with mediocre coaches will have a mediocre season. Hoping I'm wrong, but I don't think so... History will repeat itself. The yorks have fired and hired and fired winning coaches in seifert, mariucci and harbaugh. I'm frustrated. Super Bowl or bust. LMFAO!!! Thank goodness I didn't renew to spend 30k x2 for those SBL.
Feb 21, 2015 at 9:00 PM
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TomD
York's, Leave, get out of town, take your team with you!
We're Californian's and have better things to do: Tahoe, Big Sur, Carmel, DisneyLand, Gaslight District in San diego, Siskiyou National Rain Forest, Beaches, Disneyland, California State Fair, Napa Wine Tasting, Armstrong redwoods park, Virginia City, Bodega Bay,Joshua National forest, Desolation Valley, Yosemite National Park, etc, etc.!!!
Feb 20, 2015 at 5:05 PM
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Tomd
Another thing about the York's/Baalke. They don't know this market. When owners asked the fans to build the
Giant's a new stadium or we'll leave, the fans said Okay billionaires--leave. Guess what happened. The York's will be taught a lesson about California. The weather is too nice and money will be spent where a good time, not a bad time is happening!!!
Feb 20, 2015 at 3:34 PM
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Tomd
At least your owner tries to win, and win with a quarterback who can audiblize and make it happen when he sees 10 men on the line of scrimmage. Poor Frank gets hammered. But he has Baalke behind the 8-Ball now and can ask for millions because Baalke made running the focal point of his offense...When teams do that they do NOT RESPECT your passing game.
Feb 20, 2015 at 2:54 PM
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Dallas Niner Fan
TomD, York would never consider Shanahan or Holgren because he is an ageist. He is being sued for it.
Feb 20, 2015 at 2:15 PM
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TomD
And I Know someone is going to write, well we made the Nfc Championship 3 straight years and that's true. However did anyone watch Aaron Rogers under Mike McCarthey (Joe Montana's last offensive coordinator..I guess coaches don't matter do they York's), it was bad luck that cost them that game. Did you see the superbowl. Both teams use a lot of quick West coast Passes (Randy Cross said the Pats use lots of Walsh pass principles)..The point is, it was our defense that carried us for those years. Imagine if we Didn't play 1940's style offense, scored in red zone or listen to Baalke and Hired M. Shannahan or M. Holmgren as consultants this year with some influence!!!
Feb 20, 2015 at 8:08 AM
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TomD
Speaking of 8,9,10,or 11 players on or near the line of scrmmage how come the 49ers under Baalke never audibilize to a big time pass play....I hear Ted Robinson count the defenders in the box, or I read about 10,11 players there in the newspapers the next day. Joe Montana and Steve Young, AAron Rogers, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady John Elway, Brett Farve all made defenses pay big time when they were disrespected this way...The 49ers are the only team that still insists on running into a brick wall, without a play change...The percentages of keeping running backs healthy or making the playoffs with this strategy are slim compared to spreading the ball around (i.e., like a real West Coast Offense). Jeremiah Trotter,6'3", 260 lb. linebacker of Philadelphia on Monday Night football said after the 49ers ran 5 Straight run plays from their 5 yd. line, in '05 or '06, "I knew what was coming by their alignment."Baalke was with the team then...On the 4th staight dive, Trotter lined his helmet up on Gore's wrist and snapped it....This is what you get with Baalkes blockhead football, and it hasn't changed since the York's owned the team...Harbaugh's West Coast syle was ultra conservative hybrid
Feb 20, 2015 at 7:47 AM
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TomD
Gore can ask for the world--he has 49ers backed into a corner....As all 49er fans know, they have an unreliable passing game, and, anyone who has watched them over the years (closely as I do) realizes they don't get first year players on the field (offense or defense very often--Lamichael James, Patton, ellington, Dial,carradine-- although injured they still didn't appear in year two much). If the 49ers don't sign Gore teams won't need to put 8,9,10,11 in the box because they won't need to. If they don't sign Gore we could go 0-16!!!
Feb 20, 2015 at 7:22 AM
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LM23Nun
Before Harbaugh, the niners were a joke and now they will be the Rams of the last 3 yrs. Harbaugh brought toughness and a winning attitude the team lacked with Nolan and Singletary on the helm. I would have kept JH and fired Baalke, he was just jealous Coach H was getting all the credit for building up a winner. I'm glad Coach Carroll declined being the niners coach and took his talents up to Seattle!
Feb 19, 2015 at 10:16 PM
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Eavalerio
Good story really was captivated how everything went down. Ok... To every 49ers fan out there I know believe me I know there is something about all this that just does not seem right like its a freaking nightmare, and I'm waiting to wake up. We just finish a great run with a great coach and I know that it's all over but it doesn't seem right. Sadly it is and hope, big hope!!! That everything goes well next year. To every 49ers fan out there hope is what we have left, and faith on these veteran players. I don't want to see 5-11 seasons again that just ruined every Sunday for 49ers fans. Hope this coaching staff can get it right and balkee drafts well, and is able to make it work. Damn this just doesn't seem right. I'll ended in a positive Seattle lost the SB in the last play and freaking killing them right now they are still sleepless in Seattle. Next year baby lets just Hope!!!
Feb 19, 2015 at 8:14 PM
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Zach ameen
Dumb and Dumber turned 49ers in to new era Raiders of past decade.
Feb 19, 2015 at 7:33 PM
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TomD
That's it!!!!...Baalke can no longer draft for the offense...M. Shannahan and Holmgren are still out there. Call them in for the year as offensive consultants. That would send 49er fans a message that you're holding Baalke accountable, so when ship never makes it out of the harbor, 2 Super Bowl coaches will make repairs, stockpile bright, young offensive college coaches and make the 49ers a coaching and player mecca again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!@@^&%^
Feb 19, 2015 at 5:08 PM
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TomD
San francisco Examiner Article: "Grading the 49ers 2012 Draft Class."...Google the Article in quotes...Lamichael James 2nd round bust, Aj Jenkins, 1st round bust, F grade!!!! Only one player left!!!Has anyone ever heard of an entire draft of busts for one team. Even in their worst years. This has got to be some sort of NFL Record.
Feb 19, 2015 at 5:02 PM
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jp
It's hard to realize that the niners have jumped back to the less than mediocre team they were after Mariucchi left but this is who they are this is where their Going. Their fate is sealed and the writing is on the wall. They had a chance with Harbaugh buy the team is in tormoil and no great player or coaching staff will be touching the niners with a 10 foot pole. Who would with the karma and rumours spreading along the NFL . And no Daddy is going to let their future champion son that is coming out of college (i.e. potential Manning qb) let the niners draft them in their team unless you would want their son to be a failure-No way especially the firing of one of the sons of the legandary Harbaugh family. Firing a legacy coach will stay w the niners like a bad smell-it won't go away. It's Bad and you will be in denial if you don't see this
Feb 19, 2015 at 8:17 AM
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Flaccid
Winning With Class.... A lot of people don't understand what it means. I have a hardon for winning. I want to win. That's what drives me. I have been working with Trent Baalke for years to build an organization that wins with class. Trent understands what I want. Trent is a humble man. A man that barely speaks above a whisper, his voice is so hoarse. But believe me, Baalke is choking on winning. He is committed to winning. And I'm riding him hard every day.
Feb 19, 2015 at 8:15 AM
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TomD
On top of all morass of problems Harbaugh summed up with "what a tangled web we weave,' Uppermanagement is seen as meddlesome. Coaches want to fail on their own terms, not have a guy from Bemidgi tell them how to run their offense in a nationally televised press conference, in addition to Paraage Marathe in the coaches booth in the flag challenge positon its the suits running the show...ARTICLE: "Textgate, Browns may lose draft pick, Ray farmer may be suspended."....Anyone notice K. Shannahan rejected the 49ers--google this for an answer.
Feb 19, 2015 at 7:58 AM
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Omar G
Its always been said that in order to avoid history repeating itself it needs to be studied. Sadly this does not seem the case with thes new coaching staff.
This change looks exactly as when we put Singletary as head coach, great motivational coach and no real backup on his staff. And if he has been the mole and its backed over the years by York and Blaake, I say we are repeating history. So based on that I predict 5-11 record or at the best 8-8 and out of the playoffs and in into a good draft place
Feb 19, 2015 at 7:58 AM
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TomD
Jenkins is one guy huh? Combined with an O-line without pass blocking skills , AJ Jenkins, an inaccurate, one read option quarterback, and courting Chudzinski (who's never met a 7-step drop he didnt like--you tube) its the perfect storm. I have been sending mail and gmailing the 49ers for months to get Holmgren or M. Shannahan in house. Both have been in or around (9) Superbowls between them so know what championship teams look like, could build a staff of young bright college coaches, and make the 49ers relevant again. What contacts do Bemidji or Catawba expertise bring except telling everyone were going to run.
Feb 19, 2015 at 7:49 AM
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Dallas Niner Fan
continued...But hey, Balkee is doing a great job. So lets see, TE's do a horrible job last year and they promote there coach. QB does a lack luster job last year and the Niners promote the QB coach. I used to think that the Niners had no plan and no vision but I was wrong the plan is to fire successful coaches and promote mediocrity. But hey if you people want to ignore all this like its not important than be my guest. Can I hear a Hallelujah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Feb 19, 2015 at 6:03 AM
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Dallas Niner Fan
Amen, Amen, and Amen. We need to give the new coaches a chance Amen , we have not even played a game yet, Amen. This is still a very talented roster, Amen. The new coach is a motivator and the players love him, Amen. If you don't support our team (meaning York and Balkee) then your not a true fan, Amen. When all of you decide to come back from fantasy land the fact remains that the probability that this team will do better than 500 is extremely low for the reasons that I have outlined below. Now we are defending Trent Balkee!!!! Have we really gone that low? The guy that runs out of town one of the best coaches in NFL history because he is not comfortable having a beer with him after work. So Frank, "AJ Jenkins was just one guy", did you happen to notice the rest of that draft? It will go down as one of the worst drafts in NFL history. When Balkee gets finished drafting felons he may get around to drafting a good WR in this century. Here is a guy who had a stock pile of drafts but there still is no depth on the offensive line and defensive backfield. No TE's, No WR's and no backup QB. We have salary cap issues and many of our veterans have contracts up for renewal.
Feb 19, 2015 at 5:56 AM
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christy
And of course the 2 dipshits are going to blame the guys before themselves god forbid they let their egos take a hit. I hope they come out on top but if they don't us fans should let it be known we ALL blame the 2 idiots.
Feb 19, 2015 at 5:52 AM
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49ers_Joe
To quote Aaron Rogers, "C.A L.M. down" Sounds like many of you have an infatuation with hating on the Yorks. If you don't like them thats fine, but my real beef is with the media stating as factual that the men that were hired are "rejects" and that "nobody" wants to coach here. B.S. There are probably tons of very talented individuals that would love to just be an intern for a professional football team, much less to be a Head coach for this storied franchise. I would like to re-state that I wish Harbaugh and Fangio would have been kept but I respect Tomsula, Mangini et all. I will give them the benefit of the doubt and I refuse to send negative energy their way by calling them inept, rejects or whatever else our illustrious media folks want us to believe they are. I will wait till sometime mid season to decide whether or not our hires were good. I believe we will be fine this year. You heard it here first folks!
Feb 18, 2015 at 11:45 PM
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50 year FORMER faithful
THis is about the York family, their lack of honor, integrity, and their total lack of football knowledge or ability to do the right thing. This is about a disloyal inept dentist and his silver spoon douchebag liar of a son whose egos trump any semblance of knowledge of competence and whose greed overshadows every decision and whose lack of loyalty to fans and ticket holders has been amply shown over they years. The time has come to stop buying 49er gear, stop going to games, adn stop supporting the 49ers financially in any way unti the treasonous cowardly lying York frauds sell the team and move back to Ohio. Hey Jed and Dipshit daddy; you are frauds of the first order and charlatans . You kept a disloyal backstabbing GM who should have been fired the very day his bitch daughter called out Greg Roman on twitter. The fact you GM is talking shop to a 17 year old at home shown disloyalty and backstabbing of the greatest degree and that you would be still employed and harbaugh gone only adds to the ample evidence of the totally failure that is the york family.
SELL THE TEAM YORKS YOU DISLOYAL COWARDLY GRREDY MORONS. YOU ARE THE JOKE OF THE NFL
ENJOY LOSING YOU SILVER SPOON TWIRP
Feb 18, 2015 at 6:15 PM
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Frank M
And the sky's falling...give me a break. Some of you who've gotten on the negative bandwagon just can't seem to see the forest for the trees. Fact: this is still an extremely talented roster. Prediction: Baalke picking at #15 should have a great draft. Gloomers and doomers point to A.J. Jenkins...ok, that's one guy. Baalke's drafted and/or acquired a ton of excellent talent as GM. There's actually a lot of experience on Tomsula's staff. Tomsula was a DC for 2 seasons and a HC in NFL-E for another. Agree, that's not the NFL, but it shows this guy can coach. Give the man at least a season or two to show he can get the job done.
Feb 18, 2015 at 6:03 PM
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Dallas Niner Fan
Mutant,
An 8-8 season next year is "doom and gloom," to use your words. York himself has said that not going to the SB is unacceptable. That talent alone can get this team by is debatable, where are the wide receivers? The TE's were horrible last year. Gore may not return. Defensive players are coming off injuries and many key players need to be resigned. Lots of questions at QB. There are salary cap concerns. Want to rely on Balkee to replace key players? AJ Jenkins ring any bells? LOL.
Feb 18, 2015 at 3:00 PM
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Mutant-man49
I find it baffling that with this roster, people actually think this team is due for a disastrous season. How bad did it get this last season and the team still finished 8-8! This team is one year removed from their 3rd consecutive NFC Championship and people expect the worse because of the new coaches? This squad has the leaders and talent to make a big run next year and I don't see those leaders allowing this squad to fall off and have a horrible year. I can envision this team not making the playoffs as well, but it'll be with another record very similar to what they had this past season. This doom and gloom is overblown!
Feb 18, 2015 at 2:10 PM
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Dallas Niner Fan
The probability of the Niners going to the playoffs next year is very low. First coaches being promoted from position coaches with no playoff background have a dismal record in the NFL. Second, Balkee is an average GM at best. Third, several key players are up for contract renewal and the Niners have salary cap issues. Third, Niners management make horrible decisions, leadership sucks. Fourth, the Niners have a very tough schedule next year. I challenge you to point out something positive about all this. Its not that I am not willing to give the new coaching staff a chance, I hope that they are successful as a matter of fact. What I am saying is that the probability of success given the above are very low. As one fan put it, it would be like getting two straight flushes in a row in a poker game. Tell me where I am wrong?
Feb 18, 2015 at 1:30 PM
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Phil C.
One more thing: How can people say Harbaugh has any class? Since he went to Michigan all he's done is taken indirect shots at the Niners via Twitter. We've talked about the Smith/Kaepernick situation ad nauseam, but it was the way he handled it that kind of made me, if not completely suspicious, then at least curious. If he would have gone out and said "Kaepernick's my guy", then I would have been cool with that, but he did the whole "We'll go with the hot hand" BS, like Lloyd Carr did with Tom Brady and Drew Henson at Michigan (I guess Wolverines do think alike). Glad he made the Niners relevant again, but now he's in Ann Arbor. And let's not act like the Niners couldn't have brought in 10 other NFL coaches and they would have had success.
Feb 18, 2015 at 1:25 PM
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Longtime 49er
Ok, 49ers_Joe...with all due respect to you, i'm not sure where you're coming from with your thoughts. Tomsula has not even been a coordinator. And one thing I learned in corporate America is that rumors are usually true. The 49'er management has screwed this up...this is Joe Thomas like decision making. York needs to put his ego aside, make smart decisions and get the hell out of the way. Let the football people do the football. If this team tanks this year, Balke will need to be HELD accountable and shown the door.
Feb 18, 2015 at 1:22 PM
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Phil C
So now that drama queen, s--t stirrer Tim Kawakami is seen as a reliable source? How is he better than Ray Ratto? All he did even when Harbaugh was still here was bash him in his columns and blog, and now all of a sudden he's seen as some kind of hero because he got Harbaugh to say the parting wasn't mutual? It's interesting how all of a sudden this stuff about Tomsula, Gase and Fangio all came out at the same time, like Maiocco and Kawakami are coordinating some media double-team. While Matt Barrows did report about Harbaugh's statements, he hasn't piled on, which is why he's probably the media reporter I respect the most. I take everything guys like Maiocco, Kawakami and Grant Cohn say with a grain of salt because it's basically their job to "dumpster dive" for stories so they can get hits on their blogs and for their papers' websites. I'm not willing to let York and Baalke off the hook completely, but at least I'll reserve judgment until the team actually plays half a season, and I won't let talking media heads sway my perspective.
Feb 18, 2015 at 1:19 PM
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ForeverFaithful
How does anyone believe this is pure negative media spin? I called it halfway through the year. I instantly KNEW those ridiculous "rumors" were coming straight from York via Baalke. He has been wanting to oust Harbaugh since the first draft after he got here, because they butt heads on roster issues. As much as I like Baalke's scouting skills, this alone is proof he is not GM material. If York had balls, after the inevitable failure of this season (our division is TOO STRONG to hack it through the year with a ragtag group) he would realize his juvenile mistake, demote Baalke, and start a real rebuild... Like he already has, unknowingly. This was a poorly thought out hack move. As much as people liked to hate on Harbaughs demeanor, in the end he is the only one who has any class. Typical York. Give my team to someone who cares about the legacy. Tired of this snot nosed punk.
Feb 18, 2015 at 1:03 PM
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TomD
Okay Joe, we'll use your philosophy or "just the facts" as Jack Webb on Dragnet used to say.
Fact #1. The 49ers fired, record wise, a coach who broke NFL records with his coaching record; (2) coaches for teams in the playoffs, who the 49ers had a head start on in the coach search (Baltimore and Denver), came away with better, more experienced coaches than the 49ers (at least on paper); (3) Under the York's, the 49ers have never drafted or developed a Pro Bowl quarterback; (4) for 15 years since the York's owned the 49ers, they use a 1940's running attack as their offensive focal point instead of using the rule changes favoring the passer, proving they know nothing about passing attacks (remember AJ Jenkins?);
(5) Drafting the wrong QB supposedly can set an organization back 5 years. Kaepernick has a 3/4 release point and is an option QB who panics when he has to go to his second or third read, he's a bust. Baalke's covering this bust up by hiring a defensive minded coach. (6) Too many suits telling football people what to do, Get Parage Marathe out of the Flag Challenge position...Article by Tim Kawakami: "49ers bits: Unhappiness with Marathe, do the 49ers think they bought
Feb 18, 2015 at 9:30 AM
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49ers_Joe
Cerberus, here's the reality check. I f you want to make statements like "the organization is ran by punks" clearly you are the one being influenced by the media. I want to wholeheartedly state that I am not defending York nor Balke, rather, I'm denouncing all the negativity that is spewed by our so called reporters. This whole notion that nobody wants to coach here and that Tomsula will tank and was a last resort is pure speculation that may or may not be true. If you are truly a 49ers fan you should support your team and be positive about what may be a great coaching staff. ONLY time will tell and I WILL NOT let our beat writers and reporters tell me how our season is gonna go because for one, not a single game has been played and last I checked neither of those gentlemen have ever coached or sat in these hiring meetings. It very well could turn out that these hires are horrible and the time can tank but it is also a possibility that it can get over the hump. I will give these men their opportunity to do their job and not allow myself to cloak the beginning of their tenure with nothing but negativity. Choose to be positive and give these men their due respect.
Feb 18, 2015 at 8:39 AM
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Jerry
Gary Mialocq. your comment that the offense can't help but be better doesn't pass the commen sense test. They will essentially have the same players as last year and coaches with less experience that nobody else wanted to hire for their new positions. How do you conclude the d line was the best coached? Just because they had the best players?
Feb 18, 2015 at 8:29 AM
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NinerTico
I, too, was giving benefit of the doubt to the FO and York prior to the weekend. Then, I came to my senses and realized that the manipulation of information through the media especially through the eyes of Kawakami painted a horrible picture on the FO/Ownership's management of the hiring process let alone the firing of Jim Harbaugh.
Is it true though? Well, I believe most would trust Harbaugh over York's word in a heartbeat, right? So, taken that POV, Harbaugh's interview only solidified what we thought: Jed was done with Harbaugh. OK, I could handle that, but the ensuing "mutually parted POV was out right BS! Jed lied, plane and simple.
If that wasn't enough, we read the whole Gase said no to Jimmy T as DC fiasco and now he's our HC while both Gase and Fangio are in Chicago w Fox. That really hurts to most 49ers fans because of the love we had for Fangio and the hope that Gase, a young hot HC commodity, could elevate this offense under Roman. Nope. Done. Finito!
No wonder peeps are pissed, including me. I'm done now being upset. I "let it go". The end of next season will shed light if this was the right decision by Jed.
Still, he handled it like an amateur. SMH
Feb 18, 2015 at 8:04 AM
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J. Gardelius
It's all about the money,isn't it Jed? You have ruined this team for years to come. Couldn't get anyone to come here before Harbaugh , and then people were lining up to play for him. Now were back to where we were before Jim. Hell coaches don't even want to come here. Playoffs? It starts at the top and a couple of ego maniacs have taken this team down about 3 levels. Thanks for doing this to your fans. Idiots.
Feb 18, 2015 at 7:32 AM
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Rob black
I too will not be supporting this moronic establishment until these morons are removed from office not one penny of my money will go towards anything 49er related so sick of these idiots that ruin good teams with their planetary size egos.
Signed by niners fan from the 80's
Thx Jed and Trent hope you choke on a pickle
Feb 18, 2015 at 7:08 AM
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NinerGM
Another article that again falls for the Kawakami trap - hook, line and sinker.
Feb 18, 2015 at 6:59 AM
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Gary Mialocq
Another Negative Nellie article. Why don't you guys write gossip columns. You've become very good at piling it on. The offense can't help but be better than the one Harbaugh put out there last season. He was an offensive liability and his teams got progressively worse on that side of the ball. By contrast, JimmyT's defensive line has been the best coached unit on the team for 8 years since JimmyT took over. The defense with Bowman and Willis returning will be loaded and more aggressive under Mangini. Go Niners.
Feb 18, 2015 at 5:57 AM
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Matt P
Our team will be lead to mediocrity, by this lame ownership. Next, we won't even see our team on TV with local Blackout rules. I'm really hoping to be proven wrong, but this is not good
Feb 18, 2015 at 5:27 AM
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Goldblooded75
At this point due to the organization mishaps & false hopes. My main and only concern is to pray that York, Baalke & co are for some strange positive reinforcement reasoning for the most part the main reason we do and have had an above average draft experiences for position needs and FA replacements. As much as agreed with most on the Harbaugh departure, I'm praying at this point his influence didn't have as much as of a impact on our draft as much as he did over the entire franchise. Because from here on out it's gonna be our only advantage to provide the organization with a positive future to keep those high expectations..
Feb 18, 2015 at 5:10 AM
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steve
I won't be spending a nickel on merchandise, tickets, etc. Until those two idiots are removed from the franchise. I wish the team well, but Jed and Trent can go to hell.
Feb 18, 2015 at 4:46 AM
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RishikeshA
Thanks David, this move gives the organization an imature image, but what's worse is being dishonest with the fans. Are we going to see fans going to games with bags over their heads in the future because the team is so bad. This situation is déjà-vu with the Erickson hire, nobody wanted the job. I have this sneaking suspicion that Dr. John York is still running things. These moves have his signature written all over them.
Feb 18, 2015 at 2:36 AM
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Cerberus
hey 49ers_joe, good to to a die hard fan. However, you need to get a reality check and realize the ownership is run by punks. One a silver spooned mouth 35 year old that never held a real job, being dictated by an insecure GM that cannot manage a strong personality and only wants "yes" men in his entourage! The 49ers will fail, why? No self respecting couch or player wants to work for this ownership. Those that do are milking them and laughing all the way to the bank, as did Dennis Erickson who had a 0-14-2 season in regulation back in 2004!
Feb 18, 2015 at 12:39 AM
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49ers_Joe
Additionally, reporters become contributors to self fulfilling prophesies. They plant seeds of doubts and so called "insights" into situations that frankly nobody but the participants know. Having taught journalism many years I am disgusted by how today's media takes it upon itself to persuade public opinion rather than to inform well researched facts and always present both sides of a story. Not long ago the media was on Harbaugh's case for many of the 49ers shortcomings and now all of a sudden to them, he's the victim and York and Balke are liars. Why is Harbaugh's opinion taken add factual and the owners taken as lies. What makes Harbaugh more honest than the other two? Did I want Harbaugh to be retained? Of course he's a great coach and I didn't care of he didn't play nice with the media. Do I think Tomsula is inadequate and a fumbling fool like the media portrays him? Absolutely not. As a real 49ers fan and Season ticket holder I have always like Tomsula and believe him to be a very good coach. The players respect him and want to play for him and he is a hell of a motivator.Quit comparing him to Singletary, what if he's more like Pete Carrol up north? Stop predicting and enjoy
Feb 17, 2015 at 11:46 PM
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49ers_Joe
I for one would like to state the following. I am tired of these so called reporters spewing garbage and ascertaining their opinions and assumptions as facts. FACT Most reporters were unhappy and hounded Harbaugh for basically refusing to divulge information to them, FACT prior to Harbaugh's dismissal many so called 49er beat writers constantly questioned and wrote negative articles about Harbaugh and his ways. These reporters falsely state as facts that Jed and Balke leaked negative information about Harbaugh but if you ask me it was the MEDIA who perpetrated and created the animosity that by seasons end may have existed between Harbaugh and his employers. I sincerely believe having worked in the media for many years that today's media is very much to blame for a lot of what happens in the public opinion forum. The number 1 cardinal sin of a media reporter is to be biased and almost all these beat writers exhibit their blatent biases through their headlines and yellow journalism. They call the new regimen (and I paraphrase) a bunch of misfits who nobody else wanted. They write their articles claiming to hope that Tomsula succeeds but more important to them is being proven right.
Feb 17, 2015 at 11:34 PM
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mrwoodz511
I am not saying I am without issue on the coaching changes, but free agency is a different thing entirely.
Our involvement in free agency this year was always likely to be limited due to salary cap limitations, and we have always said our focus was on drafting and keeping our own.
If we keep any of our own it stretches our cap situation even further.
What we do on the field this coming year will determine what we can do next year, but it will determine a few jobs first. I still think the leadership retained on the playing roster can overcome a lot, and our RT, and MLBs staying fit would be huge too.
Feb 17, 2015 at 10:42 PM
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Harry
I had a hard time believing the incompetence rumors.
I believe them now. Tomsula is a great teacher from all accounts. But is he head coach material? the rest of the staff seems pedestrian at best unfortunately. I agree that coaches won't want to come to SF for a while, it's apparent from all the turn downs already. Sadly the team has fallen from the top tier and is all question marks. The entire staff is a ??. The talent positions are also ??. It would not surprise me to see the 49ers finish 10-6, or 5-11. Frustrating for a team that was so close. What a fool the league was for throwing out deBartolo.
Feb 17, 2015 at 10:40 PM
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Shemp
The saddest part of all is that this is the same soundtrack we had with Singletary, getting duped by someone who is a great motivator but has no real coaching experience. Didn't we learn from the first empty suit experiment? I have to believe that deep down, Jed knows he screwed this one up, and his public perception meter has gone from hero to zero in an incredibly short amount of time. Similarly, Baalke must know deep down that he will be the fall guy for the mess created by Jed.
Can't we all band together and agree not to spend any money on the 49ers until Jed starts acting in the team's best interest or hires somebody competent that can?
Feb 17, 2015 at 10:26 PM
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NinerTy
Since becoming a Niner fan back in 1967, going to games with my Dad and, enjoying what was going on on the field, win or lose, I am going to still attend games and hope that another Super Bowl winner emerges. And, if I remember correctly, there was not one person that I knew who predicted any of our Super Bowl Championships. So, I feel that degrading these men who are in position to guide this team (they are after all COACHES and COORDINATORS and you are NOT!) is very disrespectful and you should really wait until the season STARTS and some games have been PLAYED and then submit your evaluation
Feb 17, 2015 at 10:15 PM
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Arthur culver
This what happens when they stole the owner from the best Eddie dabartilo
Feb 17, 2015 at 10:14 PM
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Jack
I agree on many points, except I am not sure Tomsula is all that likeable if the rumors of his lobbying for the job are true.
Feb 17, 2015 at 10:12 PM
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Jerry
Fans can forgive hiring, firing and draft mistakes even if they are huge mistakes. However, Baalke and York set out to get rid of Harbaugh a year ago by backstabbing him with leaks. They destroyed the season in the process. How do fans forgive or forget the backstabbing and lies by Baalke and York? Their actions this past year have been disgusting. They have destroyed the reputation of this once fine organization. I don't believe fans will forgive them.
Feb 17, 2015 at 10:09 PM
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Frank M
Everything you say could happen...then again, it might not. I just wish the media doubters could see the potential for success as much as they do for failure. It's almost like some of you are hoping your predictions of doom & gloom will come true. If that's really the case, then I question your loyalty to the Niner team. Maybe you're not loyal at all.
Feb 17, 2015 at 10:04 PM
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Andrew
It is the players whoplay the game. The coaches strategize the game and manage the team. Harbaugh mis-managed the team and the game last year. Balke felt he has good players; he just needs a good manager and a motivator for players. Big name coaches are not guarantees for championship. I'm saying don't count 49ers out yet.
Feb 17, 2015 at 9:57 PM
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Napier
2015 will be a disaster. By week 8, Tomsula will be exposed for being way over his head. Baalke will be relegated as a joke as well, destroying any semblance of being seen as a serious exec.
Meanwhile, Harbaugh builds another winner in Ann Arbor.
Feb 17, 2015 at 9:53 PM
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Joseph Talamo
Mr York & Mr Balke,
As a life long 49er fan ( been watching the Ninners now for over 40 years) and season ticket holder of 4 seats I had to think long and hard about sending you my check this year, but I did. If this season turns out as we fear it will you will not be getting my check next year. I do believe I'm not alone in my feelings and this fiasco could quite possibly result in a situation like we have in Oakland when blackouts of games will occur from lack of attendance. As you know they had to rip out all of Davis peak to sell out games and get back on TV. Understand you are in a very compitive entertainment market here in the South Bay. The way this situation was handled was very poorly done and I suggest if your religious men that you pray to what ever gods you you need to. If this teams falls apart as we believe it will your bright and shinny stadium will end up being empty and nothing more than a mausoleum of past glory. I do and will always love my Ninners you two us fans no longer trust ...
Feb 17, 2015 at 9:35 PM
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Ricardo
Great article it speaks truth and we are wishing Coach Tomsula the best of luck in the back of our head we fans know that the team might might be good enough because the team had talent before but they didn't have the right men,leading them. I dont see any of our new coach as an upgrade.
Feb 17, 2015 at 9:34 PM
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Christian
Dumb. By the way, all three other NFC West teams lost big-time coordinators and staff. Research before putting your fingers on the keyboard.
Feb 17, 2015 at 9:10 PM
Those who watched Thursday night's game between the San Francisco 49ers and New York Giants may want to know why no ejections took place after 49ers left tackle Trent Williams punched the face mask of Giants defensive lineman A'Shawn Robinson as the first half came to a close.
NFL Senior Vice President of Officiating Walt Anderson gave an explanation behind that decision after the game, while Williams played his punch off as a "love tap."
The incident took place towards the end of the first half of the 49ers' 30-12 win over the Giants, following a play where the 49ers downed the ball. Robinson can be seen giving Williams a poke in the chin, after which Williams swung and hit Robinson in the face
This week's focus remains on San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. The team has a short week to prepare for its next opponent—the New York Giants on Thursday night at Levi's Stadium. The matchup comes just four days after the Niners' 30-23 win over the Los Angeles Rams.
Aiyuk suffered a shoulder injury on his first catch, a 13-yard reception during San Francisco's opening drive. He was in and out of the lineup throughout the game and was limited during the 49ers' light Tuesday practice.
On Tuesday, head coach Kyle Shanahan said that the decision will come down to how Aiyuk feels and the evaluation from the training staff. It sounds like the receiver may end up being a
The San Francisco 49ers improved their record to 2-0 after a 30-23 win against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 2. Today, Pro Football Focus released its grades from the game. Which Niners played well, and who has more work to do?
Below are Pro Football Focus' five highest-graded 49ers players on offense against the Rams.
George Kittle, TE, 84.8, 55 snaps
Trent Williams, LT, 83.4, 57 snaps
Jauan Jennings, WR, 77.5, 27 snaps
Brandon Aiyuk, WR, 72.3, 30 snaps
Deebo Samuel, WR, 71.7, 51 snaps
Below are the five highest-graded 49ers players on defense.
Nick Bosa, DE, 93.0, 63 snaps
Javon Kinlaw, DT, 83.8, 29 snaps
Fred Warner, LB, 74.7, 80 snaps
Tashaun Gipson
The San Francisco 49ers will hold one full practice, a late Tuesday session, this week as the team prepares for its Week 3 matchup against the New York Giants. While it isn't specifically noted below, there will likely be a walk-though on Wednesday.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan, defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, and quarterback Brock Purdy are scheduled to speak with the media. The 49ers will make the press conferences available at 49ers.com, on the team's official mobile app, and YouTube page.
The schedule, which is subject to