From getting rid of head coach Jim Harbaugh to passing on Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase, the San Francisco 49ers simply cannot do anything right these days. The 49ers decided to not hire Gase in favor of promoting defensive line coach Jim Tomsula to head coach. It is for that reason that it will not be surprising to see the franchise continue on its downward trend.
Harbaugh was a gem for San Francisco. In the four seasons as the head coach, he led the team to the playoffs three times, including three consecutive NFC Championship Game appearances. He broke through in 2012 and led the 49ers to their first Super Bowl appearance since 1994. Unfortunately, Harbaugh and San Francisco fell to John Harbaugh and the Baltimore Ravens.
The York family apparently did not like how Harbaugh operated, with philosophical differences being the official reason Jed York decided to pull the plug on the coach. That was the first sign that the 49ers were in for a rough offseason.
Many in the Bay Area were optimistic their poor fortunes would be turned around with the hiring of Gase, who has done a fantastic job as the offensive coordinator for the Broncos. Denver’s offense was incredibly impressive in 2013. The passing game led by quarterback Peyton Manning was the stuff legends are made of. Even more unbelievable is how Gase managed to implement running back C.J. Anderson into the offense in 2014, which took pressure off of Manning. Even though the Broncos faltered in the playoffs, Gase solidified himself as a legitimate head coaching candidate.
It appeared the 49ers were going to be the team lucky enough to land him. The fact he was the only candidate to have a second interview proved the hiring would be a layup. Instead, the ball ricocheted off the rim with San Francisco announcing they intend to make Tomsula the next head coach.
To be clear, it is not exactly personal against Tomsula. He was victorious in his lone appearance as the interim head coach for the 49ers in 2010 when Mike Singletary was let go. Not to mention, San Francisco’s defensive front has been a wrecking ball for the past several years. One could make the case it is the strength of the football team.
Promoting Tomsula is a good idea because he has been with the team for seven years. He has seen the highs and lows. He has been through thick and thin with the current players and coaches. He is someone who could realistically be a good fit for the 49ers. At the same time, he could fall under the spell of the York family and do whatever they command, which means the fans better brace themselves for when the team comes crashing back down to Earth in 2015.
Gase was the obvious choice, the right choice. Tomsula is a safe choice, one that could definitely backfire in a year or two.
Michael Terrill is a Senior Writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @MichaelTerrill, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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