49ers reportedly show support for Jim Tomsula, sort of

Calling the San Francisco 49ers' 2015 campaign "long and arduous" is an understatement at this point. Sunday's dismal performance on the field in a 24-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals is only a smidgen of the shenanigans that the team drudged up this week.

It all started with kicker-turned-CBS-sideline-reporter Jay Feely. As explained by Matt Maiocco of Comcast SportsNet Bay Area:

CBS sideline reporter Jay Feely, the former NFL kicker, said he spoke with Al Guido, the 49ers’ chief operating officer, before the game. Feely said he believes coach Jim Tomsula will return as head coach for a second season. 

“I had a chance to talk to Al Guido, the COO for the 49ers beforehand,” Feely said on the broadcast. “They knew what they were getting into when they had all the defections. (He) said they underestimated a little bit the impact that it had in the locker room, specifically the lack of leadership… But I think they’re confident with Jim Tomsula going forward.”

Seems pretty straightforward. Bay Area outlets have been discussing for a while now that Tomsula will be on the Levi's Stadium sidelines another season.

Then, the Niners backtracked after the game and "swiftly clarified to reporters that it was only the broadcaster's conclusion, not necessarily the team's judgment," the San Jose Mercury News reported. That reportedly was followed up by a quick hit from CEO Jed York saying that he would continue to maintain a low profile and wouldn't discuss team matters until the season is over.

So are the San Francisco 49ers of Santa Clara behind Tomsula or not?

The Mercury's Tim Kawakami called Guido's commentary and the subsequent CBS report on Sunday a "classic 49ers leak." The team had Guido deliver a preplanned message to the media that "sources" confirmed full support of Tomsula. But once Guido's name was mentioned on-air, the Niners had to clumsily backtrack.

Really, it just became another item on the list of the Niners' troubles on Sunday, including poor attendance, another anti-Jed banner and, of course, an embarrassing loss.

Looks like there won't be any clean-cut answer to Tomsula's status until this lackluster season draws to a close.