INDIANAPOLIS — Jim Tomsula’s first try at an introductory press conference in January, when he was officially named head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, was a disaster.

“I didn’t do a good job,” said Tomsula, who replaced Jim Harbaugh after serving as defensive line coach.

Tomsula said commanding a larger room as a head coach is a challenge he’s taking more seriously.

“When I’m up here I have to watch my manners and my language,” Tomsula said. “(Public relations director) Bobby (Lange) sure did have me practice.”

Tomsula is hopeful he’ll be able to share leadership with some players in his locker room. He said defensive end Justin Smith, a vocal and on-field leader, has been in the building, but the 49ers will afford him all the time he needs to determine whether to continue playing.

“Out of respect to Justin — I told him I will not try to talk him into anything or out of anything,” Tomsula said. “When we get back from the combine, that’s usually when he and I get together and shoot the baloney.”

Smith is contemplating retirement after 15 years in the NFL. But Tomsula said retirement has been a consideration for at least three seasons. And Smith is working out every day, so any estimation of where he might be leaning is pure speculation.

Tomsula is angling to keep veteran running back Frank Gore, one of the veteran leaders on the offensive side.

“He’s a prolific running back,” Tomsula said. “I’m a big Frank Gore fan.”

Because the 49ers drafted Carlos Hyde in the second round of the 2014 draft, the team has a built-in contingency plan if Gore doesn’t return.

“He’s a heckuva football player,” Tomsula said. “You’ve seen the plays, you’ve seen the guy run — he can plant and run. I’m really excited about Carlos Hyde.”

Where quarterback Colin Kaepernick might go with the ball is to be determined. Tight end Vernon Davis and wide receiver Michael Crabtree have been mentioned as players who could be sacrificed based on the 49ers being a projected $5 million over the $143 million cap for 2015.

Davis, who will count $7 million against the salary cap, had his worst season in the NFL with 26 receptions and two touchdowns.

General manager Trent Baalke said Davis would “absolutely” be back. Crabtree’s future is not a given. He’s a free agent who could look elsewhere in March. The 49ers plan to discuss a new deal with him in Indianapolis.

“I know that those talks are happening this week,” Tomsula said. “I don’t have the checkbook. Leaving San Francisco heading to the airport the other day, I know those talks were lined up.”