Welcome Back to the Wild, Wild West Chip Kelly

Ready? That's how San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York started the press conference introducing Chip Kelly as its newest head coach. Nobody is more ready than the 49er Faithful who have been eagerly awaiting some kind of sign that their team has a chance to return to greatness.
As memories of championship years continue inundating the media in anticipation of  Super Bowl 50 in Santa Clara, one constant is the disappointment surrounding the current state of the once revered franchise.
Coach Kelly is no stranger to controversy yet already seems at ease in his new surroundings at Levi's Stadium. He is after all back in the West Coast. Not far from the University of Oregon where Kelly first made his mark as the school's most successful football coach. He did it by running an innovative explosive, fast-paced offense that could be the description of fearless. Yet that is exactly what he wants from his new team. And what the West is famous for.

"Fearless," Kelly said. "Not afraid of any situation that you're put in. There are going to times when it's going to be difficult, it's going to be adverse, but you have confidence based on your preparation that you'll see it through."
That will be the test not just for Coach Kelly and his young players but for York and General Manger Trent Baalke. The two have made it clear they are well aware of the fans' anger and frustration.  However, this is also a time for some praise. The two are after all putting their "money where their mouth is" and deserve accolades for making this bold hiring decision.
 "It was evident early on in our conversations with Chip that he shared a very similar vision to us," explained Baalke. "He's a highly innovative coach with a proven track record of success at every level."
Baalke went on to praise Kelly's drive and passion, two things that have also attracted heavy criticism after he was fired in Philadelphia. Coach Kelly has been described as a "dictator" who clashed often  with players and management. Yet he had winning records in his first two years and in this his third year was  6-9. Sounds an awful lot like previous Coach Jim Harbaugh who fans loved because he won until his team stopped winning and management stopped talking.
One thing history has proven is that success on the football field comes with vision and innovation, which requires extreme actions and often volatile personalities. While there is no doubt Coach Bill Walsh was a genius, those close to him know he wasn't easy to get along with. He was brilliant in how he dealt with the media, the public and his players, now it's Coach Kelly's turn.
"One of the things that attracted me was coming to this part of the country," said Kelly. "It's probably one of the most fertile, creative ground around here when you look at the companies in Silicon Valley and the whole Bay Area itself.  I'm excited to be a part of it."
The welcome mat is down, but the 49er Faithful will not be patient.  After this past dismal 5-11 season, Kelly, Baalke and York are officially on probation, with winning being their only get out of jail card. Get ready, it figures to be a wild ride!