Is Bruce Ellington’s job as 49ers’ kick returner in jeopardy?
On Thursday, head coach Jim Tomsula disagreed that Ellington is on thin ice because of fumbles in back-to-back games, which is what special-teams coach Thomas McGaughey had strongly suggested a day earlier.
On Wednesday, McGaughey, when asked about Ellington, noted that the Patriots released former Cal receiver Chris Harper this week after he muffed a punt Sunday in an overtime loss to the Broncos.
The 49ers, of course, waived punt returner Jarryd Hayne on Oct. 30 after he had three fumbles, losing one, on eight returns.
In a loss at Seattle on Nov. 22, Ellington lost a fumble out of bounds at the end of a 33-yard kickoff return.
On Sunday, he muffed a punt that was recovered by the Cardinals and led to field goal in a 19-13 loss to Arizona.
[...] Bruce is our punt returner.
Chicago offensive coordinator Adam Gase, who was a finalist for the head-coaching job that went to Tomsula, said he’ll have no extra motivation Sunday when the Bears host the 49ers.
Gase, then the Broncos’ offensive coordinator, had an all-day interview with general manager Trent Baalke in Denver the day before the 49ers promoted Tomsula from defensive line coach in January.
The 49ers also will reconnect with Chicago defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, who had the same role with the 49ers the previous four seasons and also interviewed for the head-coach opening.
“Vic’s a really good football coach,” Tomsula said.