New day by the Bay

by Otis Redding

Blogger, San Francisco Chronicle

Apparently, the old new regime didn't last long. After a 1-3 record and frustrations abounding about the roster, GM/Coach Ducks left for greener pastures in Indianapolis.

Who else to take over but Coach Bob Winuvas?

"The 49ers are a proud organization with a lot of history and character who have fallen on hard times. I feel honored and proud to call myself a coach of this team, and I will do whatever I can to get the 49ers back on top," Coach Winuvas said during his introductory press conference.

Coach Winuvas inherits a team that has a few talented pieces at spots, but sports a roster that needs tuning after a massive exodus only two years ago after Jim Harbaugh left. Colin Kaepernick's confidence and accuracy are long gone, and Torrey Smith, the high priced receiver free agent two years ago, has not looked comfortable leading the receiving corps. The defense is merely a shell of what it once was, although there are cogs there in NaVorro Bowman and Eric Reid to build around.

What are the coach's plans when he gets to the sidelines?

"We need to establish the 49ers' identity. We need to find that identity on offense and defense. Over the next five weeks, I plan on finding out who wants to continue wearing garnet and gold, and who wants to be gone. We don't want guys who don't want to be here - that is first and foremost," Coach Winuvas said.

The coach's plan, according to sources, is to install his offense with his coordinator Josh McDaniels. McDaniels has been a guru in the past, but this will be his tallest order yet - making Colin Kaepernick an effective quarterback again.

"I think Josh (McDaniels) can make his offense work. We just have to do stuff Colin (Kaepernick) is comfortable with. We will probably add more read option in for the next few weeks to make sure the transition is comfortable with him," Coach Winuvas said.

Coach Winuvas is fairly pleased with the defensive pieces in place - however, he did make a few moves to get guys in that know his 3-4 scheme, picking up linebackers Latevin Greer and Norman Cobb in free agency.

"Latevin (Greer) was a kid I drafted in San Diego that played well, so putting him with NaVorro (Bowman) will be great for him and for the 49ers," Coach Winuvas said of the signings. "Norman (Cobb) has a non-stop motor but is very raw; we need to just rotate him in behind current starters Corey Lemonier and Aaron Lynch."

The scouting department will be busy getting together guys to draft, with needs at quarterback, cornerback, defensive tackle, and offensive line. Another worry - receiver Robert Woods appears to be wanting a mega-deal, and after acquiring him via trade for a 2nd and 4th round pick, Coach Winuvas is prepared to put the franchise tag on him. That tag will cost 13.4 million against the salary cap next year.

"We're talking with Robert's agent and we hope to get a deal in place that will keep him in the Bay area for a long time," Coach Winuvas said of Woods' contract negotiations.

With the offseason looming and near the finish line, Coach Winuvas is hopeful that a period of free agency, along with some potential moves, will get him the pieces he needs.

"I'll work my magic as far as offseason goes. Then it's up to us as a coaching staff to get wins," Coach Winuvas said.

What about this season, though?

"We will continue to fight. Everyone's fighting for jobs right now. We need to prove we deserve the garnet and gold," Coach Winuvas said.

Can Coach Winuvas once again bring the 49ers to the promised land? Or will he end up another footnote in San Francisco's portion of bad history?