National Football League

Tomsula era off to a great start as players give shining reviews

Published May. 22, 2015 11:47 a.m. ET

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San Francisco 49ers new head coach Jim Tomsula did not make a great first impression with the media and fans at his introductory press conference. However, he is making a great first impression with his team at OTAs this week.

Tomusla has been emphasizing tempo during practice and the players have taken notice.

"All I hear from him is, 'Tempo. Tempo. Get on the ball. Let's go!' " wide receiver Quinton Patton said, via the San Jose Mercury News.

"He doesn't smile as much as he used to, and he does a little more yelling now," nose tackle Ian Williams added. "But, nah, he's doing a good job so far. He's switched up a lot of things and tried to cut a lot of fat in how practices and meetings are."

Many people did not know how the players would react to the strict Harbaugh to the more laid back Tomsula, but so far it seems to be a smooth transition. 

"I love him, man," safety Antoine Bethea said. "He's charismatic. He's one with the players. It's going to be a good deal for us."

Clock management has been an issue for the 49ers the last few seasons and Tomsula is really make an effort to fix the problem. Left tackle Joe Staley has taken notice.

"There's a definite emphasis on operating faster, substituting faster, getting the play calls out, getting lined up," Staley said. "During game situations, we'd like to break that huddle at 22 or 24 seconds, so we have time to operate at the line of scrimmage."

Staley went on to say that the players respect him and he knows what he is doing out there.

"He's a very knowledgeable coach. He's very involved. He knows what he's talking about. And guys respect him, too."

(h/t San Jose Mercury News)

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