The San Francisco 49ers relieved head coach Jim Tomsula of his duties, just a couple hours after his team defeated the St. Louis Rams in overtime, 19-16.

“Jimmy has been a valuable member of the 49ers organization for the last nine years,” said CEO Jed York. “We all know he is a man of high character, and his contributions on the field and in our community have always been greatly appreciated. This entire organization is proud and grateful to have worked so closely alongside Jimmy. We all wish him and his family great success in the future.”

In the offseason I questioned the hire of Tomsula and openly speculated that the team would take a significant step backwards.

The speculation had more to do with the roster than it did the hiring of Tomsula.  He dealt with making a quarterback change to Blaine Gabbert, a former first-round pick who won just five games in three years with Jacksonville.  He had to endure the retirements of three of their best defensive players in Justin Smith, Patrick Willis and Chris Borland.  He also had to play without their best pass rusher, Aldon Smith, who was arrested and subsequently released by the organization.

How could any head coach thrive in that situation, first timer or not?

I don’t know if Jim Tomsula is a good head coach.  I don’t think anyone else does either.  What I do know is that he had virtually no chance in San Francisco and five wins with that roster was doing a pretty good job.

Tomsula’s five victories matched the total of Gus Bradley in Jacksonville, playing with an ascending quarterback in perhaps the worst division in football.  Bradley gets to stay after three years and Tomsula doesn’t?

If you’re looking for someone to pin the blame on, maybe try 49ers general manager Trent Baalke, who stuck Tomsula in an impossible situation.