49ers fire head coach Jim Tomsula after going 5–11 in first season

The 49ers have fired head coach Jim Tomsula after he went 5–11 in his first season at the helm.

The 49ers have fired head coach Jim Tomsula after he went 5–11 in his first season at the helm, the team announced Sunday.

Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio reported Sunday that the team was expected to fire Tomsula. 

“Jimmy has been a valuable member of the 49ers organization for the last nine years,” owner Jed 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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Robert Klemko of The MMQB reported last week that former Seahawks and Packers head coach (and former 49ers offensive coordinator) Mike Holmgren is interested in being San Francisco’s head coach. 

The 49ers “are expected to explore” hiring Saints head coach Sean Peyton, ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen report.

Tomsula, 47, was promoted from defensive line coach to head coach after the Niners fired Jim Harbaugh last season. 

The Niners started the season 1–4 and finished last in the NFC West for the first time since 2005.

- Dan Gartland