CHICAGO – Paul Kelly, the father of Chip Kelly, passed away on Friday night, the 49ers coach confirmed Sunday afternoon.
Kelly flew from Chicago to New Hampshire late Friday after learning of his father’s death. He returned for Sunday’s game at Soldier Field. The 49ers lost their 11th consecutive game, a 26-6 defeat to the Bears.
When asked if he considered not coaching in the game, Kelly told CSNBayArea.com, “My mom wanted me to coach.”
Kelly said the team was making travel plans to send him back to New Hampshire after the game to be with his family, including his mother, Jean.
General manager Trent Baalke informed the 49ers’ players during a meeting Saturday morning in Chicago.
Paul Kelly was a retired trial lawyer and a member of the New Hampshire Bar from 1960 to 2000.
Sports
In a 2009 profile on the Kelly family in the Oregonian, Paul Kelly was described as “cerebral, successful and competitive.” The article states that throughout Chip Kelly's childhood, his father preached, “Deeds, not words.”
