Even after benching him for the final seven games of the season, the 49ers maintained a belief that quarterback Colin Kaepernick could be saved. And while that proposition is still very much in the air, Monday’s link between Chip Kelly and the 49ers’ coaching vacancy makes some sense. Per NFL Media columnist Michael Silver and NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, Kelly’s representatives have reached out to the 49ers to express interest in the head coaching vacancy, which was left open Sunday night after the team parted ways with Jim Tomsula. The former defensive line coach lasted just one 5-11 season. Kelly, who spent the last three years in Philadelphia, was let go by the Eagles last week ahead of their season finale against the Giants. Per Silver, Kelly was not the only one. Former Broncos and Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan also threw his name into the ring. Shanahan, 63, last coached in 2013

Source: Conor Orr of NFL.com