1979 49ers had Worse Record than 2016 Version
The San Francisco 49ers have only once held a record worse than 1-6 — and Bill Walsh was the head coach. In his first season with the 49ers, Walsh’s team may have struggled, but at least they showed signs of improvement.
The year was 1979 and the San Francisco 49ers were fresh off a 2-14 season when owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. brought Bill Walsh to the Bay Area. Joe Montana was a rookie. O.J. Simpson — yes, he played one season for the 49ers — was in the twilight of his career and brought to San Francisco to sell tickets.
Bill Walsh is now remembered for his three Super Bowl titles and the lasting legacy he left with the 49ers franchise. In his first season, however, the 49ers got off to a bad start. In fact, it was the worst start in 49ers history.
The Niners began that season 0-7 before finishing, for the second year in a row, with a 2-14 record. But unlike the 1978 49ers, this team had an offense that could actually score.
In 1978 the 49ers offense finished dead last in the NFL. In their first year under Walsh, despite not improving their record, they climbed their way to 16th.
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But don’t expect Chip Kelly to be the next Bill Walsh. Rather than improving, this year’s offense has shown nothing but stagnation and, arguably, decline. With little talent at, well, any skill position — or on defense — the 49ers are nowhere near contention.