49ers fans haunted as Chip Kelly’s name comes up in coaching rumors

There may have been a few fans and pundits who were excited about Chip Kelly taking over as the San Francisco 49ers’ head coach in 2016, but that was likely a small minority.

Sure, Kelly inherited a dilapidated Niners roster in the wake of his own tumultuous tenure as Philadelphia Eagles head coach. Yet that couldn’t offset the fact that San Francisco was a horrid watch that season, ultimately finishing with a 2-14 record and Kelly’s dismissal shortly thereafter following a one-and-done campaign.

Simply put, 49ers fans would prefer to forget amost everything about that forgettable season.

Entering 2024, Kelly is back in the NFL ranks, joining now-Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll’s staff as offensive coordinator.

Two failed stints as head coach should put a full stop on any further head-coaching opportunities at the NFL level, but that’s not the direction Pro Football Focus’ Trevor Sikkema took when evaluating coordinators who could potentially ascend the ranks and become a head coach in 2026.

And that’ll surely come as a shock to both Philly and 49ers fans.

Chip Kelly is back in the head-coaching rumor mill

Kelly certainly salvaged his reputation after joining head coach Ryan Day’s staff at Ohio State, subsequently winning a College Football Playoff national championship. That said, how things went down in both Philadelphia and San Francisco still remain a big part of Kelly’s narrative.

One he’s hoping will change during his time out in Vegas.

Working with quarterback Geno Smith and tight end Brock Bowers might help, as would the addition of promising rookie running back Ashton Jeanty. And those offensive figureheads could play a vital role in getting Kelly back into the head-coaching ranks, at least according to Sikkema:

“Under Kelly’s guidance, the Buckeyes won a national championship last year, with quarterback Will Howard blossoming down the stretch. Howard earned passing grades above 80.0 in five of his final eight games, including throughout the College Football Playoff. That success propelled Kelly back to the NFL as offensive coordinator for Pete Carroll’s Raiders.

If Kelly can unlock similar production from Geno Smith and light up the scoreboard in Las Vegas, it will make headlines, and his name will once again surface in head coaching conversations.”

Interesting.

Kelly’s reputation as an up-tempo play caller remains despite adopting some more traditional aspects during his Ohio State tenure, yet the ability to navigate the challenges of being an NFL head coach (presumably with no roster control, as was opposite of what he had with the Eagles… which did not work out well) will ultimately create doubts if another team opts to take a chance on him.

It’s rare for coaches to have a third chance at becoming a head coach, particularly in light of the drama and tumult that accompanied Kelly during his Philly and San Francisco tenures.

Redemption might be in order, sure. But it’d surely be a shock to 49ers fans to see Kelly again donning the sidelines at the helm of an NFL franchise.

Read more from Niner Noise

Related Posts

Breаkіng Newѕ: Suрerѕtаr Jаlen Rаmѕey Commentѕ On 8 Wordѕ Enterіng Steelerѕ…

In a statement that sent shockwaves across the NFL landscape, superstar cornerback Jalen Ramsey has finally broken his silence amid swirling rumors connecting

GREATER HEART: Trаррed іn rіѕіng floodwаterѕ, а homeleѕѕ рregnаnt womаn gаve bіrth on toр of а ѕubmerged cаr — mіrаculouѕly both mother аnd chіld ѕurvіved. Uрon heаrіng thіѕ touchіng ѕtory, Chrіѕtіаn Wаtѕonreаched out to helр раy for the boy’ѕ medіcаl bіllѕ аnd future exрenѕeѕ. Uрon heаrіng the newѕ, the mother…

As floodwaters swallowed entire neighborhoods in Texas, one of the most harrowing moments unfolded on a deserted backroad. A homeless pregnant woman, clinging

Breaking: Dallas Cowboys Projected To Pull Off Big Trade For Towering 6-foot-7 Tight End

The Dallas Cowboys have been projected to pull off a major trade for a towering tight end who stands at 6-foot-7 ahead of the 2025 season.

Chiefs owner Clark Hunt sends massive donation to Texas flood relief efforts

Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt has given a massive donation to flood relief efforts in Central Texas, through the MLS team he owns, FC Dallas.

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Make Special Announcement Thursday

Few non-playing jobs in the NFL are as prestigious as the Dallas Cowboys cheerleading team. As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the Cowboys cheerleaders have a big announcement to share. On Thursday, the team revealed its eight group leaders for the 2025-26 season. Leading the way will be Karley …

Do the Chiefs have a looming salary-cap crisis?

A host of future contracts could hinge on how the next few days play out in Kansas City.