The San Francisco 49ers were prepared to cast a wide net when it came to filling out Jim Tomsula’s coaching staff. But after numerous candidates turned down the opportunity to coach San Francsco’s offense, the team has reportedly promoted quarterbacks coach Geep Chryst to offensive coordinator.
If this doesn’t seem like an inspiring move, that’s because it isn’t. Chryst is a holdover from an offensive coaching staff that struggled big time with play-calling during a disappointing 2014 campaign. He was also one of the individuals in charge of what was a disastrous attempt to score touchdowns in the red zone.
Chryst is also considered a Jim Harbaugh “guy,” which makes this move that much more puzzling.
Tomsula, who doesn’t have as much as coordinating experience at the NFL level, needed to find an experienced offensive mind to run this ship. And while Chryst fits that bill, his last experience actually running an offense was with the San Diego Chargers in 1999 and 2000—teams that finished in the bottom fourth of the NFL in yards and points both seasons—before he was shown the door.
San Francisco had shown interest in current Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin, but he decided to stay with the Crimson Tide.
Waiting until the Indianapolis Colts season was over, San Francisco also showed interest in that team’s offensive assistant, Rob Chudzinski. However, the former NFL head coach decided to take a promotion to stay with the Colts.
After feeling out a couple other candidates, Mike Shanahan included, San Francisco ultimately decided on Chryst.
Photo: USA Today