49ers CEO Jed York speaks after coach Jim Tomsula fired
San Francisco - 49ers CEO Jed York held a news conference Monday morning after the firing of coach Jim Tomsula.
York said he was humbled by the season, “I think I’ve learned a lot. This season wasn’t fun… I truly am sorry.”
Shortly before the news conference York posted a letter to fans on Twitter:
Tomsula was fired by the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night after one disappointing season, with an announcement just more than two hours after the season finale.
Elevated from his defensive line coaching duties in an unconventional, surprising promotion by CEO Jed York last January, Tomsula went 5-11 as the Niners missed the playoffs for the second straight season. They were 8-8 a year ago in then-coach Jim Harbaugh's fourth season before his "mutual" parting with the franchise, as the team described it.
York addressed the media Monday morning at Levi's Stadium, where San Francisco rallied for a 19-16 overtime victory against St. Louis in Sunday's finale, but was booed again by the home crowd.
"Jimmy has been a valuable member of the 49ers organization for the last nine years," York said in a statement. "We all know he is a man of high character, and his contributions on the field and in our community have always been greatly appreciated. This entire organization is proud and grateful to have worked so closely alongside Jimmy. We all wish him and his family great success in the future."
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Two years, two head coaches named Jim out for the once-proud franchise.
At the news conference Monday York said, “I can’t look backwards… we need to make sure all of our effort is focused on the next head coach.”
Shortly after the firing was announced, now-Michigan coach Harbaugh appeared to chime in on Twitter: "Do not be deceived. You will reap what you sow," he wrote.
York has often given the benefit of the doubt to general manager Trent Baalke, who just completed his fifth season as GM and 11th with the franchise.
The 49ers avoided their worst record since going 4-12 in 2005 during coach Mike Nolan's first season and with Alex Smith as the rookie quarterback.
Now, the coaching search begins again.
York would not comment on specifics regarding the search for the next coach.