49ers players react to Jim Tomsula hiring

The San Francisco 49ers introduced Jim Tomsula as their next head coach, and they have since collected some statements from notable players about the decision. You can read them in full on 49ers.com, but I thought I would post a few of them.

You can obviously take prepared statements with a grain of salt, but I don't think these guys are BS'ing about how they feel regarding Tomsula. One of the most common refrains about Tomsula we have heard before these statements was that he is incredibly popular and respected by the players. That is reflected in some of these statements, but it is something that became clear after word got out that he got the job. I saw numerous tweets from ex-49ers expressing excitement that Tomsula got the job. I've seen mentions of players texting back and forth when it happened. They are genuinely excited for the man.

It remains to be seen how any of that will translate to the field, but at least we know this is a guy they will likely enjoy playing for. There were plenty of reports of locker room dissent. I don't think it was near a revolt or anything like that, but playing for Jim Harbaugh is no day at the beach. You don't want a pushover, but there is something to be said for bringing in a guy the players love and respect. It is one reason I do think good things can still come from this season.

Colin Kaepernick: "I'm very excited that he's going to be our head coach. I think he is a tremendous coach, as well as a great guy, and I know he's going to help us win. He is always upbeat and fun to be around. I can't wait to get a playbook in my hands."

Patrick Willis: "I was excited when I found out he was going to be the next head coach. Jim and I have been here since my rookie year. We went through our downs and had our ups, but we're looking to bring it back. We know coach Tomsula and we know what he's about, and he knows the players on this team. So we're looking to come in and hit the ground running. No sitting back and waiting."

Perrish Cox: "It's a great thing to have a guy like coach Tomsula. He wasn't my defensive coach, but we had a great relationship. I could talk to him about anything. He'll keep your spirits high, he'll make sure everything is OK. He motivates players to keep going, to keep pushing."

Ian Williams: "As a group, we're excited about the opportunity to keep somebody in house. I'm looking forward to the future. One of the words he uses a lot is bludgeon. That's to go out there and give it all you got on every play. He knows football, and I'm blessed to be here with him. I've been here four years, and he's gotten the best out of me."

Joe Staley: "Jimmy has been the only coach that has been on the staff since I've been in the NFL with the 49ers. He's been a tremendous coach for the staff and just the passion he brings. I remember when he was the head coach for that one game, how much energy and excitement he brought and how much the guys loved playing for him. I look forward to working with him full time as a head coach."