Editing San Francisco 49ers (section)

==== Jim Harbaugh years (2011–2014) ====
On January 4, 2011, Jed York promoted interim General Manager [[Trent Baalke]] to be the permanent general manager. Baalke had taken over the role after former general manager [[Scot McCloughan]] was relieved of his duties the year before. Two days later, on January 7, 2011, former head coach of [[Stanford Cardinal football|Stanford University]] [[Jim Harbaugh]] was named the 49ers new head coach.<ref name="harbaugh">{{Cite web |last=Schefter |first=Adam |date=January 9, 2011 |title=Jim Harbaugh to 49ers, evokes 'Genius' |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=5999744 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109215252/http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5999744 |archive-date=January 9, 2016 |access-date=February 2, 2022 |website=[[ESPN.com]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> In the [[2011 NFL draft]], the 49ers selected defensive end/linebacker [[Aldon Smith]] from the [[Missouri Tigers football|University of Missouri]] with the seventh pick of the first round. The 49ers also selected quarterback [[Colin Kaepernick]] from the [[Nevada Wolf Pack football|University of Nevada, Reno]] with the 36th overall pick in the second round.<ref name="y027">{{cite web | last=Davis | first=Nate | title=Dad: Jim Harbaugh thought Colin Kaepernick was best player in 2011 draft | website=USA TODAY | date=2013-02-02 | url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/gameon/2013/02/01/colin-kaepernick-2011-draft-jim-harbaugh-jack-coaches-show/1885181/ | access-date=2024-08-30}}</ref>
[[File:Jim Harbaugh in 2007.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Jim Harbaugh]] took over as head coach in 2011.]]

After the end of a labor dispute that nearly threatened to postpone or cancel the [[2011 NFL season|2011 season]] the 49ers made a controversial decision to re-sign [[Alex Smith]] to a one-year $4.8 million contract.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Killion |first=Ann |title=New era begins for 49ers, but will San Francisco get any better? |date=August 1, 2011 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/ann_killion/08/01/49ers/?sct=hp_t11_a4 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130819155911/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/ann_killion/08/01/49ers/?sct=hp_t11_a4 |archive-date=August 19, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Because of the decision to retain Smith, and a shortened offseason with an entirely new coaching staff being hired, the team was expected to be among the league's worst by NFL prognosticators. Despite this, Harbaugh's first season was a huge success. After 10 weeks the 49ers were 9–1, highlighted by road wins against the [[2011 Philadelphia Eagles season|Philadelphia Eagles]], where the team came back from a 20-point deficit in the second half, and the previously unbeaten [[2011 Detroit Lions season|Detroit Lions]]. The 49ers' defense became one of the most intimidating in the league, particularly against the run – not allowing a 100-yard rusher or a single rushing touchdown until week 16 of the regular season.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/42769643/statesman_journal/|title=Akers Sets Field Goal Record in Win|last1=Booth|first1=Tim|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=Statesman Journal|location=Salem, Oregon|date=December 25, 2011|via=Newspapers.com|page=3B|access-date=January 22, 2020|archive-date=March 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308150729/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/42769643/statesman-journal/|url-status=live}}</ref> Alex Smith blossomed in the new system, reviving his career while playing for yet another new offensive coordinator – his sixth in six years. In week 13 the 49ers won the NFC West with a victory against the [[2011 St. Louis Rams season|St. Louis Rams]], finally ending their nine-year playoff drought. The 49ers finished the season with a 13–3 record, earning the second overall seed in the [[2011–12 NFL Playoffs|NFC Playoffs]]. In the [[2011–12 NFL playoffs|Divisional Playoffs]] they defeated the [[2011 New Orleans Saints season|New Orleans Saints]] 36–32 after a [[The Catch (American football)#The Catch III|touchdown pass]] from Alex Smith to [[Vernon Davis]] in the closing seconds of the game. The team reached the [[2011–12 NFL Playoffs|NFC championship]] for the first time since 1997 and faced the [[2011 New York Giants season|New York Giants]]. They lost to the Giants with a 20–17 score in overtime after two critical fumbles by backup return man [[Kyle Williams (wide receiver, born 1988)|Kyle Williams]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/42638705/the_dispatch/|title=Williams; 49ers Fumble Away Chance at NFC Title|date=January 23, 2012|newspaper=The Dispatch|location=Moline, Illinois|agency=Associated Press|page=20|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 20, 2020|archive-date=December 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218084410/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/42638705/the-dispatch/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2012, the 49ers were predicted to be the NFC West champions and possibly make a run for the Super Bowl. Starting the season 6–2, the 49ers went on to face the rival [[2012 St. Louis Rams season|St. Louis Rams]] in Week 10. Alex Smith suffered a concussion in the second quarter and exited the game. He was replaced by [[2011 NFL draft|2011]] second-round pick Colin Kaepernick, who led the 49ers back to tie the game. The next week, Kaepernick and the 49ers blew out the [[2012 Chicago Bears season|Chicago Bears]] 32–7, and Harbaugh chose Kaepernick as the starter next week against the [[2012 New Orleans Saints season|New Orleans Saints]], despite Smith being cleared to play. A quarterback controversy began. Despite Smith leading the NFL in completion percentage (70%) and passer rating (104.1), Kaepernick was considered more dynamic with his scrambling ability and arm strength.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Dodds|first=Eric|title=Examining the 49ers Quarterback Controversy|date=November 28, 2012|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|url=https://keepingscore.blogs.time.com/2012/11/28/examining-the-49ers-quarterback-controversy/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121130214948/http://keepingscore.blogs.time.com/2012/11/28/examining-the-49ers-quarterback-controversy/|archive-date=November 30, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Sando|first=Mike|title=Reaching back for 49ers QB parallels|date=November 27, 2012|work=ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/nfcwest/post/_/id/82904/reaching-back-for-49ers-qb-parallels|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121031215137/https://www.espn.com/blog/nfcwest/post/_/id/82904/reaching-back-for-49ers-qb-parallels|archive-date=October 31, 2012|url-status=live|access-date=February 2, 2022}}</ref> Kaepernick eventually started the rest of the season, going 5–2. Kaepernick set the record for rushing yards for a quarterback in the playoffs with 181 rushing yds against the [[2012 Green Bay Packers season|Green Bay Packers]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/42638363/wisconsin_state_journal/|title=Kaepernick Shreds Green Bay for Record 181 Rushing Yards|last1=Dougherty|first1=Pete|newspaper=Wisconsin State Journal|location=Madison, Wisconsin|date=January 13, 2013|via=Newspapers.com|page=D4|access-date=January 20, 2020|archive-date=December 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218084410/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/42638363/wisconsin-state-journal/|url-status=live}}</ref> The 49ers defeated the Packers and [[2012 Atlanta Falcons season|Atlanta Falcons]] in the [[2012–13 NFL playoffs|playoffs]] and advanced to [[Super Bowl XLVII]], but were denied their sixth Super Bowl win against the [[2012 Baltimore Ravens season|Baltimore Ravens]], who were coached by [[John Harbaugh]], 34–31.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/42770015/the_san_francisco_examiner/|title=Drama Prevails in Brother Battle|newspaper=The San Francisco Examiner|location=San Francisco, California|date=February 4, 2013|page=A21|via=Newspapers.com|agency=Associated Press|last1=Martel|first1=Brett|access-date=January 22, 2020|archive-date=December 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218084410/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/42770015/the-san-francisco-examiner/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Another storyline towards the end of the 2012 season was the reliability of kicker [[David Akers]]. Towards the end of the season, he began to show signs of decline, missing one field goal of 20–30 yards, two field goals of 30–40 yards, and six field goals of 40–50 yards for a below-average conversion percentage of 69%.<ref>{{Cite web |title=David Akers Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/akersdav01.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705202634/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/akersdav01.htm |archive-date=July 5, 2017 |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Akers was released on March 6, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|last=Gonzalez|first=Antonio|url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/49ers-release-6-time-pro-bowl-kicker-david-235317745--nfl.html|title=49ers release 6-time Pro Bowl kicker David Akers|publisher=[[Yahoo! News]]|date=March 6, 2013|access-date=August 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813014611/https://www.yahoo.com/news/49ers-release-6-time-pro-bowl-kicker-david-235317745--nfl.html|archive-date=August 13, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Shortly afterwards, the 49ers signed veteran kicker [[Phil Dawson]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.49ers.com/video/videos/49ers-Sign-Kicker-Phil-Dawson/19bd1f3b-cf93-4a55-a93f-6d6ba55c6398|title=49ers Sign Kicker Phil Dawson|work=49ers.com|last=Kegley|first=Scott|date=March 19, 2013|access-date=August 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813011745/http://www.49ers.com/video/videos/49ers-Sign-Kicker-Phil-Dawson/19bd1f3b-cf93-4a55-a93f-6d6ba55c6398|archive-date=August 13, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The 49ers would also trade a sixth round draft pick for wide receiver Anquan Boldin from the Baltimore Ravens, the team that had beaten them in the Super Bowl.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/anquan-boldin-to-be-traded-to-san-francisco-49ers-0ap1000000149401|title=Anquan Boldin to be traded to San Francisco 49ers|website=[[NFL.com]]|access-date=September 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921180718/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000149401/article/anquan-boldin-to-be-traded-to-san-francisco-49ers|archive-date=September 21, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

The 49ers finished 12–4 in the 2013 regular season and enter the playoffs as a wildcard, with their first game at [[Lambeau Field]] against the [[2013 Green Bay Packers season|Green Bay Packers]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/49ers-win-finale-to-face-Packers-in-playoffs-5100457.php|title=49ers win finale, to face Packers in playoffs|first=Eric|last=Branch|date=December 29, 2013|work=SFGate.com|access-date=December 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230110634/http://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/49ers-win-finale-to-face-Packers-in-playoffs-5100457.php|archive-date=December 30, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 5, 2014, San Francisco 49ers defeated Green Bay Packers 23–20. On January 12, 2014, the 49ers defeated the Carolina Panthers 23–10, thus advancing to their third straight NFC championship game.<ref>{{cite news|last=Branch|first=Eric|title=Kaepernick drives 49ers to cold win over Packers|url=http://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Kaepernick-drives-49ers-to-cold-win-over-Packers-5116352.php|work=SFGate.com|date=January 6, 2014|access-date=January 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106034411/http://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Kaepernick-drives-49ers-to-cold-win-over-Packers-5116352.php|archive-date=January 6, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the 49ers' season ended at [[CenturyLink Field]] in Seattle, when a pass intended for Michael Crabtree was tipped by cornerback [[Richard Sherman (American football)|Richard Sherman]] and intercepted by linebacker [[Malcolm Smith (American football)|Malcolm Smith]], losing to the [[2013 Seattle Seahawks season|Seattle Seahawks]], [[2013–14 NFL playoffs#NFC Championship Game: Seattle Seahawks 23, San Francisco 49ers 17|23–17]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/42637897/chicago_tribune/|title=Sherman Tips Balance|last1=Farmer|first1=Sam|newspaper=The Chicago Tribune|date=January 20, 2014|page=3-3|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 20, 2020|archive-date=December 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218084432/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/42637897/chicago-tribune/|url-status=live}}</ref> After the Niners had their first 8–8 season in 4 years, which included losses to the Bay Area rival [[Oakland Raiders]], [[Chicago Bears]], and [[St. Louis Rams]], the collapse of a once-dominant offensive line, failing to reach the playoffs, Harbaugh and the 49ers decided to part ways on December 28, 2014, after the season's final game, against the [[2014 Arizona Cardinals season|Arizona Cardinals]], which the 49ers won 20–17.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/42638097/the_akron_beacon_journal/|title=49ers Say Goodbye to Coach with Win|date=December 29, 2014|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=The Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|page=C6|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 20, 2020|archive-date=December 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218084411/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/42638097/the-akron-beacon-journal/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On November 8, 2006, reports surfaced that the 49ers ended negotiations with the city of San Francisco about building a new stadium and plan to do so in [[Santa Clara, California|Santa Clara]], a suburb of [[San Jose, California|San Jose]]; Santa Clara already hosts the team's administrative headquarters and training facility. The Yorks and then-San Francisco mayor [[Gavin Newsom]] had been talking over the last few months about building a privately financed stadium at Candlestick Point that was intended to be part of the city's bid for the [[2016 Summer Olympics]]. The 49ers' final decision to move the stadium ended the [[San Francisco bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics]]. San Francisco, [[Los Angeles bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics|Los Angeles]], and [[Chicago bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics|Chicago]] were the three cities competing to be the U.S. Olympic Committee's choice to bid on the 2016 games, with Chicago emerging as the eventual victor.<ref name="ChiBid">{{Cite news |date=April 14, 2007 |title=Chicago Chosen To Bid For 2016 Olympics |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/chicago-chosen-to-bid-for-2016-olympics/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070920023125/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/04/14/national/main2684134.shtml |archive-date=September 20, 2007 |access-date=March 2, 2010 |work=CBS News }}</ref>

The 49ers sponsored ''Measure J'', which appeared on the June 8, 2010, Santa Clara ballot, to build a new stadium as the future home of the San Francisco 49ers in that city. The measure passed with 58.2% of the total vote. This was seen as the first step for the 49ers stadium relocation to a new venue to be built in Santa Clara.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/Santa_Clara_Stadium_for_the_49ers,_Measure_J_%28June_2010%29|title=Santa Clara Stadium for the 49ers, Measure J (June 2010)|work=Ballotpedia |access-date=January 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121122021254/http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/Santa_Clara_Stadium_for_the_49ers,_Measure_J_(June_2010)|archive-date=November 22, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

The 68,490-seat venue, [[Levi's Stadium]], landed rights for its first event. The stadium was home to the [[Fight Hunger Bowl]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rosenberg |first=Mike |date=November 20, 2012 |title=49ers' new South Bay Stadium gets college bowl game |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/southbayfootball/ci_22034293/san-francisco-49ers-new-south-bay-stadium-gets |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130119220152/http://www.mercurynews.com/southbayfootball/ci_22034293/san-francisco-49ers-new-south-bay-stadium-gets |archive-date=January 19, 2013 |access-date=January 27, 2013 |website=Mercury News}}</ref>
On the 49ers website, the team's owner, businessman John York had a letter stating that after a stadium is constructed in Santa Clara, the team would retain its name "San Francisco" even though the team would no longer be located within [[San Francisco–Oakland–Hayward, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area|Metro San Francisco]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=York |first=John |title=Letter to 49ers Faithful |url=http://49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=2515 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928071225/http://49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=2515 |archive-date=September 28, 2007 |access-date=November 12, 2006 |website=49ers.com}}</ref>

United States Senator [[Dianne Feinstein]] and other leaders threatened an attempt to prevent the team from using "San Francisco" or the "49ers" in the team name, but probably would not have succeeded without changes to state or federal law.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/Feinstein-says-she-ll-fight-49ers-over-SF-2484729.php|work=The San Francisco Chronicle|first=Edward|last=Epstein|title=Dianne Feinstein leads charge for keeping 49ers in S.F.|date=November 14, 2006|access-date=August 13, 2011|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120701170120/http://articles.sfgate.com/2006-11-14/bay-area/17321038_1_feinstein-49ers-owner-john-york-long-beach-state-49ers|archive-date=July 1, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|author=<!--Not stated-->|title=Senator Feinstein Announces Plans to Explore Legislative Options to Keep the San Francisco 49ers in San Francisco|date=November 14, 2006|publisher=[[Dianne Feinstein]]|location=Washington, D.C.|url=http://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=7929e244-7e9c-9af9-7126-80d3b0b7f5e8|access-date=June 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120916192713/http://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=7929e244-7e9c-9af9-7126-80d3b0b7f5e8|archive-date=September 16, 2012|url-status=live|ref=ID}}</ref>

York later confirmed in a press conference on November 9, 2011, that the team would build a new state of the art stadium in Santa Clara in time for the 2014 season. Groundbreaking for the new stadium took place on April 19, 2012.<ref>{{cite news|title=Santa Clara shovels begin end of 49ers in S.F.|first=Gwen|last=Knapp|url=http://www.sfgate.com/49ers/knapp/article/Santa-Clara-shovels-begin-end-of-49ers-in-S-F-3496350.php|newspaper=[[San Francisco Chronicle]]|date=April 20, 2012|access-date=August 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811224044/http://www.sfgate.com/49ers/knapp/article/Santa-Clara-shovels-begin-end-of-49ers-in-S-F-3496350.php|archive-date=August 11, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

On May 8, 2013, the NFL's San Francisco 49ers announced that San Francisco-based [[Levi Strauss & Co.]] had purchased the naming rights to their new stadium in Santa Clara. The naming rights deal calls for Levi's to pay $220.3 million to the city of Santa Clara and the 49ers over 20 years, with an option to extend the deal for another five years for around $75 million.<ref name="LeviStrauss">{{cite news|last= Rosenberg|first= Mike|title= Levi's Stadium: 49ers' new Santa Clara home gets a name in $220 million deal|url= http://www.mercurynews.com/southbayfootball/ci_23198944/levis-stadium-49ers-new-santa-clara-home-gets?source=rss|access-date= May 8, 2013|newspaper= San Jose Mercury News|date= May 8, 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131029201451/http://www.mercurynews.com/southbayfootball/ci_23198944/levis-stadium-49ers-new-santa-clara-home-gets?source=rss|archive-date= October 29, 2013|url-status= live}}</ref>

[[Jim Tomsula]] was hired on January 14, 2015, to replace Jim Harbaugh. Subsequently, [[Geep Chryst]] was promoted to offensive coordinator and [[Eric Mangini]] was hired as defensive coordinator. On March 10, 2015, All-Pro linebacker [[Patrick Willis]] announced his retirement from the NFL due to repeated injuries to both feet.<ref>{{cite web|last=Orr|first=Conor|title=Patrick Willis retiring after eight seasons with 49ers|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/patrick-willis-retiring-after-eight-seasons-with-49ers-0ap3000000477349|publisher=National Football League|date=March 10, 2015|access-date=February 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525183801/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000477349/article/patrick-willis-retiring-after-eight-seasons-with-49ers|archive-date=May 25, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> A week later on March 17, linebacker [[Chris Borland]], Patrick Willis' presumed replacement, announced his retirement from the NFL due to fears of the effects of head trauma.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hanzus|first=Dan|title=San Francisco 49ers' Chris Borland retiring from NFL|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/san-francisco-49ers-chris-borland-retiring-from-nfl-0ap3000000479460|publisher=National Football League|date=March 16, 2015|access-date=February 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150521235149/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000479460/article/san-francisco-49ers-chris-borland-retiring-from-nfl|archive-date=May 21, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> These two retirements left the 49ers linebackers position group weakened as they headed into an offseason under first year head coach Jim Tomsula. Two other developments during the 49ers off season, the retirements of starters defensive end Justin Smith,<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 18, 2015 |title=Justin Smith Announces Retirement from NFL |url=https://www.49ers.com/news/justin-smith-announces-retirement-from-nfl-15300684 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919113113/https://www.49ers.com/news/justin-smith-announces-retirement-from-nfl-15300684 |archive-date=September 19, 2016 |access-date=February 2, 2022 |website=49ers.com}}</ref> and right tackle Anthony Davis,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/anthony-davis-of-san-francisco-49ers-retires-0ap3000000495822|title=Anthony Davis of San Francisco 49ers retires|website=[[NFL.com]]|access-date=February 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921181956/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000495822/article/anthony-davis-of-san-francisco-49ers-retires|archive-date=September 21, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> and the uncertainty of linebacker Aldon Smith's<ref name="j110">{{cite web | last=Gutierrez | first=Paul | title=49ers release Aldon Smith after arrest on DUI, hit-and-run charges | website=ESPN.com | date=2015-08-07 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/13394571/aldon-smith-released-san-francisco-49ers | access-date=2024-08-05}}</ref> availability due to his legal issues.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/42618319/the_san_francisco_examiner/|title=Time to Save Aldon Smith's Life|last1=Mariotti|first1=Jay|date=August 9, 2015|page=A9|via=Newspapers.com|newspaper=The San Francisco Examiner|access-date=January 20, 2020|archive-date=December 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218084411/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/42618319/the-san-francisco-examiner/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/42618936/marshfield_newsherald/|title=49ers Linebacker Smith Suspended Nine Games|last1=McCauley|first1=Janie|newspaper=Marshfield News-Herald|date=August 30, 2014|agency=Associated Press|page=B4|location=Marshfield, Wisconsin|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 20, 2020|archive-date=December 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218084411/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/42618936/marshfield-news-herald/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The 49ers signed running back [[Reggie Bush]], wide receiver Torrey Smith, and defensive tackle Darnell Dockett.<ref>{{cite web|title=San Francisco 49ers 2015 Roster Movement|url=http://www.49ers.com/news/article-2/San-Francisco-49ers-2015-Roster-Movement-/b300ddad-6b5a-47d2-898a-225d4b87de01|website=49ers.com|publisher=San Francisco 49ers|date=April 30, 2015|access-date=June 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150521095302/http://www.49ers.com/news/article-2/San-Francisco-49ers-2015-Roster-Movement-/b300ddad-6b5a-47d2-898a-225d4b87de01|archive-date=May 21, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

Tomsula employed new coaching practices, which included giving his players breaks to check social media during meetings, shorter, easier practices,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cohn |first=Grant |date=November 24, 2015 |title=Is Jim Tomsula worse than the worst head coach of all time? |url=http://49ers.pressdemocrat.com/jim-tomsula-mike-singletary-make-call/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160703231440/http://49ers.pressdemocrat.com/jim-tomsula-mike-singletary-make-call |archive-date=July 3, 2016 |access-date=July 11, 2016 |website=Inside the 49ers |language=en-US}}</ref> and more days off.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/laces-out/san-francisco-49ers-jim-tomsula-millennials-players-phone-breaks-061815|title=San Francisco 49ers and coach Jim Tomsula cater to millennials, allow players to take phone breaks|last=Parziale|first=James|website=FOX Sports|access-date=May 19, 2016|archive-date=June 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611122547/http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/laces-out/san-francisco-49ers-jim-tomsula-millennials-players-phone-breaks-061815|url-status=live}}</ref> The result was one of the worst offenses in team history. Scoring only 238 points,<ref name="pfrninerpage"/> the 49ers struggled to a 5–11 season, with Colin Kaepernick ending the season on injured reserve after being benched. The 49ers would ultimately be eliminated from postseason contention in Week 14 of the [[2015 NFL season|2015 regular season]]. On January 4, 2016, the 49ers fired Tomsula after he led them to a 5–11 record.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/14498497/san-francisco-49ers-fire-jim-tomsula-first-season-coach|title=49ers dismiss Jim Tomsula after 5–11 season – his first|work=ESPN|date=January 4, 2016|access-date=February 2, 2022|first=Paul|last=Gutierrez|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109013343/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/14498497/san-francisco-49ers-fire-jim-tomsula-first-season-coach|archive-date=January 9, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

On January 14, 2016, [[Chip Kelly]] was hired as head coach.<ref name="u873">{{cite web | last=Gutierrez | first=Paul | title=Chip Kelly hired to four-year deal as 49ers coach | website=ESPN.com | date=2016-01-14 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/14569856/san-francisco-49ers-hire-chip-kelly-next-coach | access-date=2024-08-05}}</ref> Kelly's tenure began with an emphatic 28–0 victory over the Los Angeles Rams on ''Monday Night Football''.<ref name="f084">{{cite web | last1=Navarro | first1=Heather | last2=Ahmed | first2=Shahan | title=LA Rams Lose 28-0 To The 49ers | website=NBC Los Angeles | date=2016-09-12 | url=https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/sports/los-angeles-rams-san-francisco-49ers-opener-levi-stadium/111417/ | access-date=2024-08-30}}</ref> However, the team went on to lose a franchise-record 13 straight games until they narrowly defeated the Rams 22–21 on December 24, 2016.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/42614534/the_los_angeles_times/|title=Fourth Quarter Collapse is More of the Same|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=December 25, 2016|via=Newspapers.com|page=D4|access-date=January 19, 2020|archive-date=December 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218084411/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/42614534/the-los-angeles-times/|url-status=live}}</ref> On October 21, 2016, in an [[ESPN]] ranking of professional sports franchises, the 49ers were ranked the worst franchise in North America.<ref name="c524">{{cite web | last=Wagoner | first=Nick | title=Ultimate Standings: 49ers drop to last place in sports | website=ESPN.com | date=2016-10-21 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/17831701/san-francisco-49ers-drop-another-19-places-last-overall-ultimate-standings | access-date=2024-08-05}}</ref> The 49ers ended up firing Kelly and Baalke following the conclusion of the regular season, finishing with a 2–14 record.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/42613814/napa_valley_register/|title=49ers Fire Kelly, GM Baalke|newspaper=Napa Valley Register|location=Napa, California|page=B2|date=January 2, 2017|agency=Associated Press|via=Newspapers.com|last1=Dubow|first1=Josh|access-date=January 19, 2020|archive-date=December 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218084412/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/42613814/napa-valley-register/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2016, Kaepernick started a trend of kneeling during the playing of the national anthem.<ref name=albjour>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/42616182/albuquerque_journal/|title=Kaepernick Creates Stir with his Stand|last1=Inman|first1=Cam|page=C8|date=August 28, 2016|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|location=Albuquerque, New Mexico|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 20, 2020|archive-date=December 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218084412/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/42616182/albuquerque-journal/|url-status=live}}</ref> Intended to protest the treatment of minorities in the United States,<ref name=albjour /> the trend spread throughout the NFL and stirred political controversy.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/42617179/the_indianapolis_star/|title=Vets to NFL Players: Stand for the Anthem|last1=Bongiovanni|first1=Domenica|last2=Martin|first2=Ryan|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|page=28A|date=November 12, 2017|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=January 20, 2020|archive-date=December 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218084413/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/42617179/the-indianapolis-star/|url-status=live}}</ref> President [[Donald Trump]] spoke out against the protests a number of times, and Vice President [[Mike Pence]] walked out of a 49ers game in October 2017 upon seeing players kneel.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2017/09/24/trump-demands-nfl-teams-fire-or-suspend-players-or-risk-fan-boycott/|title=Players, owners unite as Trump demands NFL 'fire or suspend' players or risk fan boycott|last1=Phillip|first1=Abby|date=September 24, 2017|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|access-date=June 15, 2018|last2=Boren|first2=Cindy|language=en-US|issn=0190-8286|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615135531/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2017/09/24/trump-demands-nfl-teams-fire-or-suspend-players-or-risk-fan-boycott/|archive-date=June 15, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="t829">{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Alex |date=2017-10-08 |title=VP Pence walks out of football game over players' kneeling during national anthem |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/vp-pence-walks-out-nfl-game-over-players-kneeling-protest-n808866 |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=NBC News|via=Reuters}}</ref>