Kevin Lynch wrote a slideshow piece for SFGate titled “10 reasons not to fire Jim Tomsula and the 49ers coaching staff.” While Tomsula and others in the organization will probably appreciate Lynch’s efforts, the story wasn’t necessary. Here’s a list of 10 reasons why there is absolutely no way the 49ers will even consider firing Tomsula after this season.
Earlier today, Matt Maiocco reported that Tomsula’s salary is $3.5 M per year, which would put Tomsula not exactly at the bottom of the NFL ranks but very close to it, and well below the $5M+ salary that Jim Harbaugh was getting from the 49ers.
2. He’s on a four-year deal, and the 49ers would rather not have to pay two coaches (and coaching staffs) at the same time.
3. Ownership looked forward to replacing Jim Harbaugh with him for months (perhaps even years). Firing him after one season = admitting they made a mistake.
4. He’s got several built-in excuses (retirements, free agency departures, Colin Kaepernick playing terribly).
5. Many potential candidates would represent an upgrade over him, but which coach with options would choose to join this organization?
6. He’ll probably “finish strong.”
After the Bears gifted him with his first road win as an NFL head coach, he gets to face three teams that are going nowhere over the next four weeks. In other words, he’s following the path of every non-Mariucci/Harbaugh coach the Yorks have employed.
- Dennis Erickson’s first season: Lost five games by three points or less, won two of last four games to finish 7-9
- Mike Nolan’s first season: Won last two games to finish 4-12
- Mike Nolan’s second season: Won two of last three (including an overtime victory over Denver in the final week) to finish 7-9
- Mike Singletary’s first season: Won four of last five (including final two) to finish 7-9
- Mike Singletary’s second season: Finished with two straight wins to finish 8-8
If Tomsula beats the Rams on the final Sunday to finish 7-9, the York family may carry him off the field on their shoulders.
7. He’s a multi-tasker.
In the locker room today, saw a guy pushing around an equipment bin, gather players’ equipment and clothes for the trip. It was Jim Tomsula.
— Chris Biderman (@ChrisBiderman) September 18, 2015
8. He’s articulate.
#49ers Jim Tomsula was asked about LB Michael Wilhoite’s injury. He made it clear Wilhoite possessed an ankle. pic.twitter.com/feuYac9Bdh
— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) December 10, 2015
9. Jed thinks he’s their version of Steve Kerr.
“Culture is huge. That’s the difference between a championship-caliber team and a championship team,” York says. “You look at the Golden State Warriors. They were the dumbest team in the NBA for letting Mark Jackson go, who won the most games in the franchise’s history. How could you be so dumb? They bring in Steve Kerr, who has been around the game for a long period of time but has never coached before. Kerr changes the culture, comes in with a different perspective, and look what happens.”
10. Denise loves him. (This may be the most important reason of all.)
The scene outside the 49ers’ locker room was joyous. Owner Denise DeBartolo-York was there to greet coach Jim Tomsula with a hug as he came off the field. Obviously, the last thing the 49ers want to do is fire Tomsula after one season, and the victory over the Bears certainly swings the pendulum a lot further in Tomsula’s direction.
