The San Francisco 49ers have hired After Jim Tomsula as head coach to replace Jim Harbaugh and heading into 2015, Tomsula has some major work to do, as Colin Kaepernick regressed last season and players like Frank Gore, Michael Crabtree, Brandon Lloyd, Mike Iupati and Chris Cook could be gone in free agency along with Ahmad Brooks and Vernon Davis, who could be released.
The 49ers did not rush into their decision and they opted to promote from within rather than bring in a new name at head coach. According to ESPN.com, the team did eight interviews with various candidates and also brought back one coach for a second interview, but in the end they felt that continuity was important and that is why they stuck with Tomsula. The 46-year-old is a fiery personality and was the defensive line coach this past season and previously served as interim head coach for the Niners in 2010.
Jed York and Trent Baalke felt keeping Tomsula was a smart move, as they said that "continuity" was a major factor in the hiring process. The team now will be looking to shake things up on the coaching staff, as ESPN.com reports that Greg Roman is now with the Bills and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio could be gone as well. Roman ran the offense last season, while Fangio interviewed for the Niners job and also has been considered for other coordinator jobs around the league.
The team could be in for some major changes, as Pro Football Talk reports that players like Ahmad Brooks or Vernon Davis could be released. Davis had a down season and is getting paid a decent amount in 2015 and he could be a cap casualty, while Crabtree and Gore are heading towards free agency. Gore has been mentioned as a target for the Redskins, as Scot McCloughan drafted him with the Niners. The team has Carlos Hyde and looks ready to hand him more responsibility and that could mean Gore is on his way out.
Gore has been as consistent as anyone in the NFL during his career, but at the age of 31 it could be time for him to move on. Crabtree comes in after having a disappointing season, as he had 68 catches for 698 yards and four TDs one year after missing all but five games with an injury. Crabtree's numbers were down from his 2012 season, which saw him set career highs with 85 catches for 1105 yards and nine touchdowns.
The 49ers and head coach Jim Harbaugh decided to part ways after the season despite a nice run of success and now Harbaugh is with Michigan. Adam Gase, Josh McDaniels and Dan Quinn emerged as potential head coaching options along with Mike Shanahan, but the franchise felt it was best to promote from within. Tomsula now has a lot to live up to, as Harbaugh won 44 games in four seasons with the Niners.
Harbaugh took over the team after a decade of mediocrity and took them to three straight NFC championship games, making it to the Super Bowl once. The team missed the playoffs for the first time under Harbaugh and they finished just 8-8. Harbaugh dealt with numerous injuries and still was able to keep things together, as the team ranked in the top 10 in defense once again, but the offense was very inconsistent.
