The San Francisco 49ers have officially fired head coach Chip Kelly and GM Trent Baalke. Adam Schefter reported Saturday night the move was imminent, and the club made the move official following a season-ending loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.
The 49ers finished 2-14 this season, completing a swift and dramatic fall after reaching three straight NFC Championships from 2011-13 and the Super Bowl to close the 2012 season. Kelly completed only one season with the club; he was dismissed by the Philadelphia Eagles following the 2015 season.
The statement from owner Jed York:
“I have informed Trent and Chip of my decision to pursue new leadership for our football team,” said York. “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. I wish Trent, Beth and their daughters the very best in whatever the future holds for their family.
“Chip has my gratitude for the job he did this year, navigating the team through some adverse circumstances. I look forward to watching his career continue to unfold, and wish him and Jill great success in life.
“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. We all expected to see this team progress and develop as the season went on, but unfortunately that did not happen. That is why now is the time to find a new direction for this team.”
With the move, San Francisco becomes already the sixth NFL franchise to announce a coaching change before the sun officially sets on the 2016 regular season.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.