San Francisco 49ers CEO Jed York may be one of those power players that would be better suited keeping his mouth shut.
Speaking on a wide array of 49ers-related topics on Bloomberg Television earlier this week, York attempted to explain away the team’s decision to “mutually” part ways with former head coach Jim Harbaugh (via SF Gate).
We’re trying to win a Super Bowl. We haven’t been able to do that. And I think what we’re trying to do is build a team that focuses on our core strengths. I think we got away from that a little bit,” York said regarding the decision to replace Harbaugh. “I think we tried to do too much and be something that we weren’t. I think you’re gonna see us get back to the basics, get back to letting our players go out and make plays….You look at our offense last year. It wasn’t I think where it should have been. I think we have better talent than what our results showed.”
We aren’t too sure what York is talking about here. While the 49ers offensive scheme was a little bland under Harbaugh, there’s something to be said about overall success. After all, the new Michigan head man ended his career in Northern California as the fifth-winningest head coach in NFL history (minimum 60 games coached). The four names ahead of Harbaugh on that list are Guy Chamberlin, John Madden, Vince Lombardi and George Allen.
He also led San Francisco to three conference title games and a Super Bowl appearance in four seasons.
You simply don’t replace that type of success and expect not to take a hit on the field. Considering York has consistently indicated the team’s plan is to win a Super Bowl, it’s hard to imagine his internal thought process when it came to replacing Harbaugh.
York has continued to receive criticism from the team’s fan base and the local media since San Francisco parted ways with Harbaugh. This has only been magnified by what has to be considered a disastrous couple months since the end of the 2014 season.
Linebackers Chris Borland and Patrick Willis have announced their retirements from the NFL. The team failed to retain key free agents such as Mike Iupati and Chris Culliver. And throughout this entire process, the credibility of the once proud franchise has taken a rather large hit.
If the 49ers falter this upcoming season under new head coach Jim Tomsula, York will be the first one on the receiving end of criticism around the football world. He has set himself up for this.
If San Francisco surprises people and has success getting back to its “core strengths,” any criticism directed at York will likely be quieted.
Until then, he might want to avoid speaking publicly. Much like his comments to Bloomberg Television, it’s probably not going to paint him in the best of light.
Photo: USA Today