Roman's Reign Has Come to an End With 49ers

Offensive coordinator, scorned by many fans, has called his last plays for the 49ers

In 2012 and 2013, Greg Roman was riding high.

Former 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh said Roman, his offensive coordinator, had “basically revolutionized offense as we know it.”

Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Staley referred to him as a genius. Running back Frank Gore said Roman is  the best offensive coordinator he’s ever played for. And running backs coach Tom Rathman said the Niners were lucky they’ve been able to keep him so long.

Then 2014 happened, and Roman came to be considered more dunce than genius, as the 49ers offense looked out of sync and quarterback Colin Kaepernick seemed to take a very large step back in his development.

Now, with Harbaugh gone to the University of Michigan, the 49ers are in the midst of an extensive search for a new head coach, and there is much uncertainty surrounding the team’s future. The one thing that is certain, however, is that Roman – who famously built an effective run-first attack with old-school power blocking principles in his first three seasons with the 49ers – will soon be gone.

The only in-house candidates for head coach the 49ers are considering are defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and defensive line coach Jim Tomsula. Even is one is selected, the 49ers will need to start fresh on offense and bring in a new coordinator. And if the 49ers go outside to bring in an Adam Gase, Pep Hamilton, Mike Shanahan – or any number of offensive-minded coaches – Roman won’t be a good fit.

Fox Sports reported that Roman -- whose two-year deal is now expired -- interviewed Friday for the offensive coordinator position with Tampa Bay head coach Lovie Smith.

Judging by the reactions of 49ers fans on Twitter Monday and over the weekend, they’re eager to see him go. Even during the Cowboys-Lions playoff game on Sunday, Twitter pundits took turns hammering the play calling of the two teams. Wrote one: “When did the Lions hire Greg Roman?” Wrote another, earlier in the game when the Cowboys were struggling: “Greg Roman calling plays for Dallas.”

Then, of course, there is the Twitter account called Fire Greg Roman. The fake profile reads: “I am the offensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers and I STINK! I single handedly have removed the #49ers from the playoffs!”

Of course, multiple injuries on offense and defense had a hand in the 49ers’ demise this season, too. But Roman’s out-of-sync offensive scheme became a target of abuse as the season progressed.

Now, he’ll be calling plays elsewhere in the NFL in 2015.

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