The San Francisco 49ers are reportedly still interested in former Eagles head coach Chip Kelly, according to former NFL scout John Middlekauf. Kelly was reportedly interested in the head-coaching vacancy following the firing of head coach Jim Tomsula, and it could make an interesting fit in San Francisco if the two are able to agree on a deal.
The 49ers clear front-runner candidate was Bengals offensive coordinator Hue Jackson who has reportedly been taken off the board, as the Cleveland Browns have hired him as their next head coach. The 49ers have also reportedly been granted permission to interview former Giants head coach Tom Coughlin, and an interview is expected to take place on the east coast with general manager Trent Baalke.
The 49ers have already interviewed Kelly, and San Francisco is clearly looking to resolve their head-coaching vacancy soon as they have plenty of issues to solve this offseason. Many do not expect the 49ers to set up any more interviews other that what has already been stated, and a decision is expected to come soon, according to NFL reporter Michael Silver. The 49ers finished the season in last place in the NFC West, and a big question for them this offseason outside of head coach is their quarterback position.
The 49ers signed quarterback Colin Kaepernick to a six-year $126 million contract extension back in 2014, and he has clearly not performed up to the level expected since, as he has a starting record of 10-14 since signing the extension. The Dolphins have already hired Adam Gase, and the Browns have reportedly hired Jackson, leaving the 49ers, Giants, Titans, Buccaneers and Eagles still searching for their next head coach.
