Chip Kelly Hired As 49ers Head Coach

After his experiments failed in Philadelphia, Chip Kelly will get another shot on the NFL sideline in San Francisco. The 49ers’ CEO Jed York announced that the 52-year-old will be taking over the club’s reigns in a tweet; he will be introduced in a press conference sometime next week.

 

“Chip possesses all the qualities we were looking for in our next head coach,” general manger Trent Baalke said in a statement. “He has demonstrated the ability to be innovative everywhere he has coached and has had great success throughout his career. Chip’s passion for the game and vision for the future of this team clearly stood out to us during the search process. He is an extremely driven individual that I look forward to working with.”

“As one of the most historic franchises in the National Football League, I realize the high standards and expectations that this position demands and I embrace the challenges ahead,” Kelly said, also in a statement. “My immediate focus is to build the best coaching staff possible, one that will maximize the abilities of each of our players and put us in the best position to win football games.”

Kelly’s first decision will be regarding the club’s quarterback situation. Colin Kaepernick struggled this year before having shoulder, thumb and knee surgery, but his mobility could make him a fit for the 49ers’ new system.

Photo: Head coach Chip Kelly of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on during the game between the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles at Gillette Stadium on December 6, 2015 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)