The team made the hire official on Thursday, naming Chip Kelly as the franchise's 20th head coach.
To learn more about the person who will lead the 49ers into the future, we scoured the web to find quotes from influential figures in football.
We compiled the best of the best here for you to read. Kelly's admirers certainly don't lack star power.
Patriots HC Bill Belichick
Dec. 31, 2015: "Chip's a great coach. He'll end up somewhere, and he'll do a great job there.