What do George Lucas, The Clash, and Chip Kelly have in common? The answer: nothing.

Yet.

Let me explain.

The Clash burst onto the UK punk scene in 1977 with their eponymous debut album. It was well received by critics and fans alike, as was their follow up album “Give ‘Em Enough Rope”. George Lucas made waves with his directorial debut “THX 1138”and his second movie, “American Graffiti” is considered a cult classic to some, but is oft forgotten when George’s name is brought up in conversation. The third release by each of these respective camps? How about “London Calling” or “Star Wars”. Maybe you have heard of them?

So what does any of this have to do with Chip Kelly? Maybe everything. Chip Kelly’s first head coaching job brought the Oregon Ducks football program to the forefront. He coached the squad for four years, his pinnacle being a trip to the 2011 NCAA championship game, ultimately losing to Auburn 22-19.

Following the 2012 season, Chip took his second head coaching job, first in the NFL, with the Philadelphia Eagles. He lead the team to a 26-21 record in his nearly 3 seasons with the squad before being fired following a week 16 loss to the Redskins that eliminated the Eagles from postseason contention.

He did win the NFC East in his first season with the squad, but failed to win his only playoff game after the Saints defeated the Eagles 26-24. More importantly, he failed to bring the Eagles their first Super Bowl win that the city’s sports fans covet more than anything else in this world (I would know, I’m one of them).

But I still believe in Chip Kelly. I believe that Chip’s job with the 49ers will be his “London Calling”. His “Star Wars”. But this is assuming one thing: that Colin Kaepernick agrees to be his Han Solo.

It’s no secret that Kelly’s offense is ideally operated by a fast, mobile Quarterback; one who has the ability to extend plays with his legs. It is also no secret that the Eagles, with Kelly pulling the player personnel strings, offered a fortune to trade up in the 2015 draft to steal Marcus Mariota, his QB in his most successful seasons in Oregon, from the Tennessee Titans. Now for some fun facts: Did you know that Colin Kaepernick finished with 4.53 40 yard dash time in the combine in 2012 compared to Mariota’s 4.52, and has the same play making ability with his legs? If he is healthy, and cuts down on the turnovers, he could be the head of a dangerous offense in San Francisco with help from talented RB Carlos Hyde and speedster WR Torrey Smith. It is true that Kaepernick has regressed over the past two years since leading the 49ers to the Super Bowl in 2012. It is also true that he has had 3 surgeries (non-throwing shoulder, thumb, knee) since the beginning of the 2015 season. Chip Kelly’s offense is tailor suited for a player of Colin’s caliber though, and can help revive his career if healthy.

Kelly has also regressed in his offensive play-calling over the past three years as the Eagles play caller. The birds dipped from 2nd in the NFL in points per game in his first year with the team, to 5th and 13th respectively. It was only when Chip began to take over the personnel duties in his third year with the team that the results truly suffered. And there is a 0% chance of that happening in San Francisco as GM Trent Baalke will not relinquish the reigns of the squad and make the same mistake the Eagles did.

As for the Niner’s 30th ranked defense last year? Even if the defense does not improve, it won’t necessarily hold the 49ers back. The Eagles won 10 games and made the playoffs under Kelly with the leagues fourth worst defense in terms of yards allowed in 2013. Rookie DeForest Buckner, the Niner’s first round defensive lineman (out of Oregon oddly enough), has a chance of making an immediate impact.

The stars could be aligning in San Francisco at the right time for the 49ers to make a run at the NFC West title in the coming years. The division looks strong now, but how long can that last? The Seahawks have regressed every year since winning the Super Bowl, Carson Palmer likely does not have many good years left with the Cardinals, and the Rams will continue to stink in their new Los Angeles home just like they did in St. Louis.

San Francisco is “calling” for Chip Kelly. He might be their “only hope”. And I think 49ers fans will be thankful.