Paul Kelly, the father of 49ers head coach Chip Kelly, passed away on Friday evening, Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area is reporting.
Kelly flew from Chicago to New Hampshire on Friday evening after learning of his father’s death, but returned to Soldier Field on Sunday to coach the 49ers, per his mother Jean’s request.
“My mom wanted me to coach,” Kelly told CSN Bay Area.
Kelly will be returning to New Hampshire following the game to be with his mother, and left separately in a black SUV from Soldier Field, according to the Chicago Tribune. The 49ers players were informed of Kelly’s passing by general manager Trent Baalke during a meeting on Saturday morning.
Paul Kelly was a retired trial lawyer from New Hampshire, and practiced law for more than 40 years.
The 49ers lost their 11th straight game Sunday, falling to the Bears 26-6.