San Francisco 49ers HC Chip Kelly on Colin Kaepernick: 'There was zero distraction'

Former San Francisco 49ers coach Chip Kelly dismissed the notion that quarterback Colin Kaepernick was a distraction last season as he staged a protest during a national anthem.

Kaepernick opted against standing for the anthem prior to games to protest racial injustice in the United States. The 29-year-old initially sat during the anthem in preseason before altering his stance by kneeling.

"There was zero distraction," Kelly told SI.com. "He met with the team immediately after (his first protest). He met with the other team leaders. He explained his position and where he was coming from. And literally, that was it.

"Colin was focused on football. He was all about the team and trying to help us win."

Kaepnerick opted out of his restructured contract earlier this month and is now a free agent. As for why the elusive quarterback is still unemployed, Kelly is at a loss.

"There are 32 individual groups that make decisions on what is best," Kelly said. "If you're not part of those 32 teams, it's very difficult to know what is going on."

With Kaepernick under center, the 49ers lost nine straight and 10 of 11 overall to finish the season with the second-worst record in the NFL at 2-14.

Kaepernick threw for 2,241 yards, 16 touchdowns and four interceptions while fumbling a career-worst seven times. He also ran for 468 yards and two TDs.