The Experiment of Chip Kelly Ends with the 49's

Chip Kelly's experiment as the head coach of the San Francisco 49's only lasted one season, which ended with a 2-14 record, the worst for the franchise since 2004. The management took action and not only fired the coach, but also the general manager Trent Baalke, who built the team that reached the Super Bowl with Jim Harbaugh in 2012.

New Project for the 49's

The project is now in the hands of former safety John Lynch, who has no experience as an executive in the League, and Kyle Shanahan, who debuts as the head coach. Both signed six-year contracts, so it will be the beginning of a long-term project, which includes completely transforming the roster from 2016.

Changes in the Team

Shanahan, known for developing quarterbacks, opted for Brian Hoyer, whom he had in Cleveland, to bring stability to a position that had Colin Kaepernick and Blaine Gabbert in 2016, while waiting for Kirk Cousins or a high draft pick in 2018. The former Chicago quarterback recorded 1,445 yards and six touchdown passes the previous year.

Offensive Changes

The running game was the only thing that worked for the 49's last season and Carlos Hyde received good news with the signing of power back Kyle Juszczyk, although he must stay healthy and improve in the passing game, one of the new roles he will have with the coach. The receiving corps is new. The number one option will be Pierre Garcon, who worked with Shanahan in Washington and had 1,041 yards in 2016, while Marquise Goodwin comes from Buffalo to provide speed. Aldrick Robinson comes from Atlanta to be an option for the slot after Jeremy Kerley's departure, and rookie tight end George Kittle stands out in blocking.

Questions in the Offensive Line

In the offensive line, the only secure player is Joe Staley, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, but there are doubts in the other positions. Daniel Kilgore will be the center and Zane Beadles needs to perform as he did in 2016, although Shanahan's system requires a lot of mobility in this area.

Defensive Changes

The defense will change from a 3-4 to a 4-3 with the arrival of Robert Saleh as coordinator, with a past in Seattle and who was a linebackers coach in Jacksonville. They will have several options in the front, as the 49's have spent their last three first-round picks on defensive linemen (Arik Armstead in 2015, DeForest Buckner in 2016, and Solomon Thomas in 2017), although there is no pass rusher.

New Additions in the Linebackers and Secondary

Malcolm Smith, MVP of Super Bowl XLVIII won with Seattle, has been brought in for the linebackers, but will miss the entire season due to injury. NaVorro Bowman remains the heart of the defense, now as the middle linebacker, and will be accompanied by rookie Reuben Foster, who is compared to Patrick Willis. The secondary has been a problem in recent years and there will also be changes. Jimmie Ward will transition from cornerback to safety and will be alongside Eric Reid. Dontae Johnson and Rashard Robinson complete this unit, although both could have their last chance with the team.

The Figure: Carlos Hyde | Running Back

Despite San Francisco's forgettable 2016 season, the running game performed well. The problem was that Carlos Hyde missed three games due to injury, which has been a constant in his NFL career. He has never surpassed a thousand yards in a season, and the 49's urgently need his contribution. Kyle Shanahan's system can help him become a dual threat.

Kyle Shanahan - NFL Record: 0-0 | Team Record: 0-0

After being one of the most sought-after coordinators in the league, Kyle Shanahan will finally make his debut as a head coach. Known as one of the best offensive minds in the NFL, he was part of the staff of the Atlanta team that lost the Super Bowl in February. He has work ahead of him.

Prediction: 3-13

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