Former rugby league star Jarryd Hayne's future in American football will be decided by Chip Kelly who has been named the new head coach of the NFL's San Francisco 49ers.

"After a thorough search, Trent and I are thrilled to announce Chip Kelly as the new HeadCoach of the @49ers", York tweeted.

The 52-year-old's relationship with the front office faltered, and that eventually led to his firing days before the season finale with the Eagles 6-9 on the season.

Kelly replaces fired coach Jim Tomsula, promoted from his defensive line duties last January to succeed Jim Harbaugh before going 5-11 - a move Baalke has said earlier this month wound up to be the wrong one, in hindsight. "I look forward to watching Trent (Baalke) and Chip work closely to build a team that will make us all proud". He also previously coached at the University of Oregon.

Now, it's the 49ers who have made a bold choice.

"For Colin Kaepernick's career, it's one of the best things that could have happened for him", NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock said. "I know he's always said his quarterback doesn't have to be a runner".

Jim Rogash/Getty Images Despite his reputation as an offensive guru, Kelly's Eagles only ranked 12th in yards and 13th in scoring during the 2015-16 season. Kelly himself? No, it's quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Which, considering the mess Kelly made when he took control of the Eagles roster, is probably best for both the 49ers and for Kelly's long-term prospects. The 49ers lost a ton of talent last offseason and are potentially facing a long rebuilding process, so Kelly isn't exactly walking into a stable situation. Once. But after being given control of personnel, he was much criticized for moves that sent stars such as LeSean Jackson to other teams, and the Eagles plummeting to a season of misery.

According to Maiocco's source, Gamble "spoke up for Kelly and played a pivotal role" in his hiring with the 49ers. "As a 49er fan that's what we're hoping for and as a Turlock fan that's what we're hoping for".

"Hearing a plan to salvage Kaepernick, who is signed by San Francisco through 2020 (albeit on a flexible contract that gives the team off-ramps each year), was no doubt top of conversation during the 49ers' interviews with coaching candidates", Vrentas wrote. Things are going to be different for the 49ers; a totally different offense.

During his time with the Eagles, Kelly proved that he has the X's and O's of the game down pat. "I think coaching the team is enough responsibility for a guy who hadn't grown up really in the National Football League".

"I've heard players say that he would walk past them in the hallway and not acknowledge them whatsoever", Bergey said. He said Kelly would see guys walking down the hallway and wouldn't speak to them.

201: Difference in plays from scrimmage by the Eagles' defense (1,148, most in NFL) and the Seahawks' defense (947, fewest in NFL) this season.