The 49ers ended a horrible season Sunday with one final loss and the reported firing of general manager Trent Baalke. Head coach Chip Kelly probably was on his way out, too.
The Niners lost to the visiting Seahawks 25-23 at Levi’s Stadium to fall to 2-14, but the real news was coming from reports off the field that the franchise had begun a major house-cleaning after its worst season in years.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Saturday that the 49ers were firing both Baalke and Kelly, who is in his first year with San Francisco.
On Sunday, Baalke confirmed the report of his demise, saying in an interview on KNBR that, “It was the right thing to do” after three straight disappointing seasons.
“You know, I’ve been here since 2005, and I have a lot of respect for the organization as a whole, and the ownership, the fan base,” said Baalke, who still went to Sunday’s game to watch the team. “It’s difficult, but it’s the right thing to do.”
Kelly, meanwhile, reportedly had not been told of his fate late last week, as Baalke had. In fact, a report by NFL.com’s Michael Silver Sunday noted that Kelly had heard media reports about his firing Saturday and called team CEO Jed York for confirmation. Tweeted Silver: “It was not a warm and fuzzy conversation.”
So, with Baalke out and Kelly expected to follow, the 49ers already are being remade, probably welcome news for most 49ers fans who’ve had to watch the franchise slip from one of the best in the NFC to the worst – the 49ers will draft second overall with a record only better than the one-win Cleveland Browns.
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On Sunday, the 49ers fell behind 3-0 early then roared back to take a 14-3 lead on two short Shaun Draughn touchdown runs. The Seahawks rallied, however, scoring the next 20 points en route to the victory.
Colin Kaepernick, playing perhaps his last game for the 49ers, was 17-of-22 for 215 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing five times for 16 yards.
