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Good morning everyone. Jim Tomsula was introduced as head coach two days ago in his introductory press conference. Judging from the reaction, Jim seemed nervous and didn't make the best first impression with the fan base or the media. Luckily, speaking well in press conferences has nothing to do with coaching ability. So I guess we can all agree to leave it at that right?
Obviously, I am a lot more interested in seeing who Tomsula brings in on his staff. One of the things we heard when Tomsula was still a candidate, was that he lacked a huge rep around the league and would have trouble attracting assistants. It makes sense, his only NFL job was the 49ers defensive line coach, so he hasn't built up the relationships most other head coaches have. I imagine that's why someone with the background of Jason Tarver, who is the former Oakland Raiders defensive coordinator is being interviewed for the Defensive Coordinator job.
On this team right now, I do not believe that having a great D-coordinator is as essential as a great offensive one. Still, I don't understand why Vic Fangio can't be brought back. Though, I guess it is possible that he is the one adamant about leaving. Still, job openings are running out, and I can't imagine why he would refuse to work for Tomsula, despite the report that he would leave unless he or Mike Shanahan got the job.
Speaking of Mike Shanahan, he is reportedly a candidate for offensive coordinator. Why a two time Superbowl winning coach would return the the same job he had 20 years ago is a mystery I can't solve. But there is little doubt in my mind that he would make a very good coordinator.
Another weird rumor that is in play is the hypnotist that is known as Lane Kiffin possibly being a candidate for offensive coordinator. If there was ever a record for the most high profile jobs landed undeservedly, Lane Kiffin would be the Cy Young of that thing. That is to say, nobody's ever catching him. He washes out of high profile job after high profile job, yet somehow keeps landing them. The man has been a head coach for the Raiders, USC, and Tennesee. He was the offensive coordinator at USC and holds the same position currently at Alabama. It is his work as a coordinator that continues to get him these jobs. So considering he is actually quite accomplished in this role, I would not be too upset at his hiring. My only fear would be if Tomsula fails and Baalke decides that Lane deserves another chance. To the links!
Greg Papa: 49ers had "verbal agreement to give it to Adam Gase … Jed backed out." (BASG)
49ers interviewing Jason Tarver for defensive coordinator (Gin)
Could Lane Kiffin be making a Bay Area return to fill 49ers coordinator role? (Inman)
Source: Seely not retained on Tomsula's staff (Maiocco)
Tarver interviews for spot on Tomsula's staff (Maiocco)
Patrick Willis Launches 'Football Unleashed' App (49ers)
49ers players excited to suit up for Tomsula (Maiocco)
Report: Mike Shanahan could return to 49ers as OC (Maiocco)
Fangio will interview with Washington; Kyle Shanahan declines interview with 49ers (Branch)
Solari: 'Everybody will land on their feet' (Maiocco)
Tomsula talks NFL Europe and landing a coordinator (Barrows)