NFL Rumors: Is this Chip Kelly’s Last Year With the San Francisco 49ers?

Oct 21, 2016 12:22 PM EDT

Given the way the San Francisco 49ers are performing this season, it wouldn't come as a total surprise if the franchise decides to carry out significant changes to the lineup. But, aside from the players, these changes could also include coach Chip Kelly, who is in danger of getting fired from the team after only one season.

The 2016 NFL season is Kelly's first year with the 49ers. As head coach, he had already made a few dramatic changes to the roster, such as demoting Colin Kaepernick to the backup quarterback spot. Then, just a few weeks ago, he went back on his decision and appointed Kaepernick as the team's starter.

However, things are not looking good for Kelly and the rest of the 49ers as they head into Week 7. Currently, the team now has five losses and only one win. Based on how Kaepernick played against the Buffalo Bills at Week 6, it seems the team's losing streak will still continue as they face off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday.

If the 49ers ship continues to go down this year, Kelly might decide to leave the team for other coaching opportunities. One of the rumors swirling around the coach is a return to the Oregon Ducks. But, as the coach maintained, he doesn't plan on leaving the San Francisco squad anytime soon.

"Unless the media has an opportunity for me somewhere, I'll always explore those opportunities," he said. "But, I'm not going anywhere."

Although Kelly is keen on staying with the 49ers, this is not totally up to him. If the team continues to suffer through a losing streak under his leadership, franchise executives could ultimately decide to fire him once the year is over.

Kelly officially became a head coach in 2013 after signing with the Philadelphia Eagle. During his first year with the team, Kelly was able to improve the Eagles' previous record of 4-12 to an impressive 10-6. This was also the same record that the team finished in in 2014.

However, during his third season with Philadelphia, Kelly and the team finished with a record of 7-9. This led the Eagles officials to fire him.