Frank Gore tells 49ers media, 'I'll be back'

The San Francisco 49ers are conducting their exit meetings and final physicals, and it means there is plenty of player availability for the media. This will mark the final player availability until the offseason workout program later this spring.

Frank Gore did not seem to speak extensively, but he did put the local media in good humor. He bought pizza for them as a thanks for the work they do. The most interesting part of it though, was that he said, "I'll be back."

Frank Gore sent pizza to the media room at #49ers. "I wanted to say thank you." ... He adds, "I'll be back."

— Janie McCauley (@JanieMcCAP) December 29, 2014

It seems like he really wants to be back, but we probably will need to wait and see what happens with the next head coach. On Sunday evening, he re-emphasized that he wants to be back, but he also said he wants to see what changes were in store for next season.

You say you want to be back. But do you want to see what the coaching staff is going to look like before you make that commitment?

"Yeah, I do. I want to know the coaching staff coming in. Also, the guys who have been here who I know. I want to know when the game's on the line, they're going to fight like me. That's what I want to know."

The 49ers head coach search process is just beginning, so it may be some time before he gets a better handle on the team. And of course, free agency does not kick off until March 10, so it could be some time before there is any resolution. I believe Frank Gore when he says he wants to be back, but I also think he wears his emotions on his sleeves. He has said he wants to be back, but he also says he recognizes it is a business and the 49ers have quality young backs.

I want to be back. I wish we can get things worked out. But I also know it's a business. I respect the other running backs, Carlos Hyde, Kendall Hunter. They've got the potential to be great. I know [Running Backs] Coach [Tom] Rathman. If he's here with them, he'll make sure they are.

Drew Rosenhaus represents Gore, and it is important to note the 49ers seem to have a very solid relationship with him. He represents several 49ers that have signed extensions over the years, and they usually have been fair deals to both sides. I am not concerned about that aspect of it. But we'll see what both sides want out of the 2015 season, and see how it all shakes out.