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The San Francisco 49ers were one of the more disappointing teams in the NFL this season, falling to 8-8 after three consecutive NFC Championship Game appearances (producing one Super Bowl appearance), and the long-rumored and long-reported rift between head coach Jim Harbaugh and the Niners' front office finally reached a resolution, with the two parties agreeing to part ways.
Finding a replacement for Harbaugh tops the list of the 49ers' offseason priorities:
1. Figure out coaching situation
Harbaugh's departure from the team has been the worst-kept secret in football this season. The 49ers could promote defensive line coach Jim Tomsula, something they did on an interim basis late in the 2010 season. They're also expected to investigate candidates from the college ranks and from within the NFL, including from the division-rival Seattle Seahawks. However the 49ers proceed, they need to find a coach excited to work with quarterback Colin Kaepernick for at least the coming season.
2. Is this team reloading or rebuilding?
San Francisco ranked among the top three during 2014 in offensive and defensive snaps played by players 30 years or older. Defensive end Justin Smith could retire. Fellow defensive end Ray McDonald is already gone, following his off-field issues. Running back Frank Gore and receiver Michael Crabtree can become free agents. Tight end Vernon Davis appears to be in steep decline based on his play in 2014.
This team was entering a transition period whether or not Harbaugh was part of the immediate future, but how far will the 49ers go in retooling under a new coach? They could conceivably keep the defensive staff in place to make another run with NaVorro Bowman and Patrick Willis returning from injuries and, hopefully, Smith returning for another season.
3. Look for ways to solve Seattle
The Seahawks have won five of the past six games in the rivalry, counting playoffs. The 49ers need to close the gap with Seattle. They could start by interviewing some of the Seahawks' assistant coaches. Even if they did not hire one as head coach, they could gain some intel on the team they have to beat in the NFC West. And if they did hire away someone such as Dan Quinn or Darrell Bevell or even Tom Cable, they could weaken the Seahawks in the process.
4. Help Kaepernick bounce back
The 49ers built some protections into their contract with Kaepernick, but they will almost certainly return with him as their starting quarterback in 2015 (the seasons beyond that are less of a certainty). They need to take a hard look at what can be done to reverse his recent slide in production. It seems pretty clear Kaepernick is at his best in an offense that emphasizes the running game -- including his own running abilities. The next coach will presumably need to embrace that. The 49ers also need to help Kaepernick overcome psychological hurdles against Seattle. Kaepernick has three touchdown passes, nine interceptions and 18 sacks while going 1-5 as a starter against the Seahawks.
5. Accept a mulligan on new stadium
Not much went right for the 49ers in 2014, but their new stadium should have been a shining light for them. Instead, the playing surface was a problem for much of the season, players were divided across two locker rooms and the atmosphere was hardly intimidating for opponents. The 49ers need to do a better job leveraging Levi's Stadium to their advantage.
Offseason fixes for San Francisco 49ers - NFL - ESPN
By Mike Sando
Finding a replacement for Harbaugh tops the list of the 49ers' offseason priorities:
1. Figure out coaching situation
Harbaugh's departure from the team has been the worst-kept secret in football this season. The 49ers could promote defensive line coach Jim Tomsula, something they did on an interim basis late in the 2010 season. They're also expected to investigate candidates from the college ranks and from within the NFL, including from the division-rival Seattle Seahawks. However the 49ers proceed, they need to find a coach excited to work with quarterback Colin Kaepernick for at least the coming season.
2. Is this team reloading or rebuilding?
San Francisco ranked among the top three during 2014 in offensive and defensive snaps played by players 30 years or older. Defensive end Justin Smith could retire. Fellow defensive end Ray McDonald is already gone, following his off-field issues. Running back Frank Gore and receiver Michael Crabtree can become free agents. Tight end Vernon Davis appears to be in steep decline based on his play in 2014.
This team was entering a transition period whether or not Harbaugh was part of the immediate future, but how far will the 49ers go in retooling under a new coach? They could conceivably keep the defensive staff in place to make another run with NaVorro Bowman and Patrick Willis returning from injuries and, hopefully, Smith returning for another season.
3. Look for ways to solve Seattle
The Seahawks have won five of the past six games in the rivalry, counting playoffs. The 49ers need to close the gap with Seattle. They could start by interviewing some of the Seahawks' assistant coaches. Even if they did not hire one as head coach, they could gain some intel on the team they have to beat in the NFC West. And if they did hire away someone such as Dan Quinn or Darrell Bevell or even Tom Cable, they could weaken the Seahawks in the process.
4. Help Kaepernick bounce back
The 49ers built some protections into their contract with Kaepernick, but they will almost certainly return with him as their starting quarterback in 2015 (the seasons beyond that are less of a certainty). They need to take a hard look at what can be done to reverse his recent slide in production. It seems pretty clear Kaepernick is at his best in an offense that emphasizes the running game -- including his own running abilities. The next coach will presumably need to embrace that. The 49ers also need to help Kaepernick overcome psychological hurdles against Seattle. Kaepernick has three touchdown passes, nine interceptions and 18 sacks while going 1-5 as a starter against the Seahawks.
5. Accept a mulligan on new stadium
Not much went right for the 49ers in 2014, but their new stadium should have been a shining light for them. Instead, the playing surface was a problem for much of the season, players were divided across two locker rooms and the atmosphere was hardly intimidating for opponents. The 49ers need to do a better job leveraging Levi's Stadium to their advantage.
Offseason fixes for San Francisco 49ers - NFL - ESPN
By Mike Sando
