The San Francisco 49ers announced Sunday night that they’ve officially informed HC Chip Kelly and GM Trent Baalke that they are being let go.
“I have informed Trent and Chip of my decision to pursue new leadership for our football team,” said York. “These types of conversations are never easy, especially when they involve people you respect personally and professionally.
“Trent gave this organization every ounce of effort he had over the last 12 years and his contributions were integral to the team reaching three straight NFC Championship Games and a Super Bowl. I will forever be grateful for his dedication to the 49ers, and his friendship to me and my family. I wish Trent, Beth and their daughters the very best in whatever the future holds for their family.
“Chip has my gratitude for the job he did this year, navigating the team through some adverse circumstances. I look forward to watching his career continue to unfold, and wish him and Jill great success in life.
“Despite my feelings for Trent and Chip, I felt the decision to change our football leadership was absolutely necessary. The performance of this team has not lived up to my expectations or those of our fans, and that is truly disappointing. We all expected to see this team progress and develop as the season went on, but unfortunately that did not happen. That is why now is the time to find a new direction for this team.”
This shouldn’t come as a big surprise, especially after reports surfaced last night that Kelly and Baalker were both expected to be out after their Week 17 game.
One report said that Kelly was going to be given an opportunity to try to save his job, but it looks like there wasn’t a lot to consider from the 49ers’ perspective.
Kelly, 53, was hired by the Eagles back in 2013 as their head coach. He lasted just under three years in Philadelphia before he was fired during the 2015 season. The 49ers hired him as their head coach soon after.
Since taking the Eagles’ head-coaching job back in 2013, Kelly has produced a record of 28-34 (45.2 percent) as an NFL head coach for Philadelphia and San Francisco including one playoff appearance while he was with the Eagles.
Baalke, 52, was promoted by the 49ers to general manager back in 2011. He was named Executive of the Year by the Pro Football Writers Association back in 2011 after the team won 13 games.
Since joining the 49ers back in 2010, the 49ers have a record of 57-31-1, which includes three playoff appearances and a conference title in 2012.
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