Coach's sacking a good thing for Jarryd Hayne

Jarryd Hayne could be handed an NFL lifeline with the firing of the 49ers coach. Photo / Getty

The sacking of San Francisco's head coach is being interpreted as a lifeline for Jarryd Hayne and his bid to become a regular starter for the 49ers in the NFL.

Hayne declined to comment on the sacking of Jim Tomsula after San Francisco's dismal season where they ended their season with a 5-11 win-loss record.

While Hayne wouldn't talk about Tomsula, he did talk about his first year in the NFL.
"It is what it is," Hayne said.

"Overall, the year I've had, and to be part of this team, it's been incredible. More than I could have ever imagined."

The former NRL star posted a photo to his Twitter account, celebrating his team's win to cap off the season.

"What a way to finish the year! Blessed to be apart of the @49ers franchise. The love and support has been great. Forever thankful. #49ersfaithful," the caption read.

Tomsula was given just one season to turn around the struggling 49ers but not even a win in his last game could save him.

He also seemed ambivalent towards Hayne this season, refusing to completely endorse him or give him the chances many felt Hayne's natural talent deserved. Others also say Tomsula lacked the personal coaching nous to develop the former league ace.

If Hayne stays at the 49ers, the Australian may encounter a coach with a more open mind to his transition but will face a fresh battle in having to learn to work under a completely new system, and once again prove that he is capable of meeting what is required of him to make San Francisco's 53-man playing roster for next season.

American media are speculating over a number of potential replacements for Tomsula including former San Francisco offensive co-ordinator Mike Holmgren, recently sacked Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly, current New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton and two-time Super Bowl winner Mike Shanahan.

Media reaction to Tomsula's sacking was mixed, however most critics did identify the lack of depth in the San Francisco squad as playing a major role in the coach's downfall.

The majority of San Francisco players remained quiet on the Tomsula issue when questioned after the match, and the players that did respond were hesitant to say the least.

"I think it would be unfortunate if this was his last game," safety Eric Reid said. "We love playing for him."

"It's rare in this league that you get a coach that truly, genuinely cares about his players.

"We all understand it's a business and that's part of it, but he's one of the rare coaches in my football experience that you look him in the eyes and when he asks you how you're doing, he really wants to know how you're doing.

"I think that's why the players love him so much."

Phil Dawson, the placekicker that kicked the winning field goal in their 19-16 victory over the St. Louis Rams said Tomsula was "a fun guy to play for".

- nzherald and news.com.au