San Francisco 49ers

Report: Chip Kelly 'under strong consideration' from 49ers

Published Jan. 3, 2016 12:48 p.m. ET

foxsports

The San Francisco 49ers wasted little time in firing head coach Jim Tomsula following Sunday's season-ending win over the St. Lous Rams, and perhaps now we know why. According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, Chip Kelly is on the team’s radar.

This is a move that makes a ton of sense, especially in light of recent comments by Kelly, the former Philadelphia head coach / personnel head, that he has no desire to have a say in personnel issues. 49ers general manager Trent Baalke is expected to be retained, and it would appear he’s entrenched in his role with the team.

If Kelly did come aboard it would indicate there is still hope for quarterback Colin Kaepernick to stay with the franchise, despite many rumors to the contrary earlier this year. Kaepernick regressed significantly under Tomsula, to the point he was recplaced in the starting role by Blaine Gabbert.

Kelly is still considered to be an offensive guru, and he specializes in utilizing mobile quarterbacks. Kaepernick fits this mold perfectly, and the 49ers feature a run-first offense already, which also fits Kelly’s offensive approach.

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