Lowell Cohn: Questions (and answers) for new 49ers coach Chip Kelly

The five key questions the media must ask Chip Kelly at his introductory news conference, including the answers he should give.

One note before we get started. The 49ers announced Kelly’s hiring last week, but have delayed his introduction. That’s some way to keep positive momentum going. It feels like Kelly already is running the show, saying he’ll get to the media - and the fans - when he’s ready and not before. Hmm.

OK, here goes.

Key Question 1: Chip, what will you do with Colin Kaepernick? Do you want him on the team? How will he fit into your offense? Do you see him as your starter? Or will there be competition for the starting job?

I admit those are five questions. This is a complicated topic and Kelly’s answer will tell us where Kaepernick fits - maybe - and it will demonstrate how open, honest and forthright Kelly is. It also will demonstrate right away his feelings about relating to media and the fans. Loaded question this one.

If Kelly buries his answer in obscure verbiage, you’ll know he’s secretive, self-protective and closed in the way Jim Harbaugh was at the beginning but not at the end. If Kelly says, “We weigh all options at every position not just quarterback. It’s the same with kickers and special teams.” Well, if Kelly says that, good luck the next four years - or fewer.

Preferred Answer: “I like Colin’s skill set for my offense which demands running from the quarterback. Colin, as you know, is a great running quarterback. He played successfully in a similar system in college. He needs to improve the precision of his passing and I feel confident I can help him with that. Blaine Gabbert also has the skill set for my offense. I see competition between them and a third quarterback we will draft or sign.”

If Kelly gives an answer like that, kiss the guy on the lips.

Key Question 2: Do you still think the zone-read option can be an integral part of an NFL offense?

Preferred Answer: “I am an advocate of the zone read. Everyone knows that.

“But I have modified my reliance on it because NFL defenses are so good I can’t run it all the time. I am evolving. It is part of my offense but not the primary part. It is a change-of-pace part. If you’ll permit me a baseball analogy, it no longer is my fastball. It is my changeup.”

Key Question 3: Do you see yourself having a winning record next season and even making the playoffs?

Preferred Answer: “I would like to answer “yes” to both questions. I really would. But as I study our roster, I see gaps. I need to be honest with you. Honesty is the best policy.

“We have questions at quarterback - and the NFL is a quarterback-driven league. We need to firm up our offensive line and be clear who our receivers are. Our defense needs to get in better physical shape because, typically, my defense plays lots of snaps. Sure, I’d like a winning record, but I’m more interested in making progress as the Raiders have done. And I hope fans and media will bear with me.”

Key Question 4: Are the 49ers in rebuild mode or reload mode as Trent Baalke phrased it last year?

Preferred Answer: “Hell, yes, we’re in rebuild mode. Let’s be honest here. We won only five games last season and need to improve the roster. And I need a certain kind of player for my system, especially on offense. This will take a little time. I don’

Key Question 5: When Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie fired you, he was critical of your communication skills and your attitude in general. Lurie said, “You’ve got to open your heart to players and everyone if you want to achieve peak performance. You have to (get along) with everyone you work with and come in contact with.” How will you change your behavior with the 49ers to get along better with the owners and players and Trent Baalke?

Preferred Answer: “Jeffrey Lurie and I are dear friends and I remain in contact with him. I believe his quotes have been misinterpreted. And he told me they were taken out of context.

“Having said that, there is a certain truth to what Jeffrey said. I can be a loner and I can be distant from players. I am working on that. I consider myself a players’ coach and you will see that here. I can learn from my mistakes and you will see, I’m sure, I am a team player. I welcome the opportunity to know my players and to work with Trent and Jed.”

At this point, a chorus of angels descends on the auditorium humming Handel’s “Messiah” and Jed York releases 49 white doves in the room.

For more on the world of sports in general and the Bay Area in particular, go to the Cohn Zohn at cohn.blogs.pressdemocrat.com. You can reach Staff Columnist Lowell Cohn at lowell.cohn@pressdemocrat.com.