Editor’s note: Matt Maiocco is in Indianapolis to cover the NFL Combine. Check back for his comprehensive coverage and catch his nightly updates on SportsNet Central.
INDIANAPOLIS – The 49ers will consider the possibility to returning to Youngstown, Ohio, for a week during the 2016 regular season.
The 49ers are likely seeking two of their eastern trips to be situated in back-to-back weeks during the regular season to cut down on the travel. The 49ers have road games this season scheduled for Chicago, Atlanta, Carolina, Buffalo and Miami. The NFL is expected to announce the schedule in April.
With our All Access Daily newsletter, stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams!
SIGN UP HERE In 2011 and ’12, the 49ers spent the second week of back-to-back road trips in Youngstown to cut down on the travel. General manager Trent Baalke said new coach Chip Kelly is “real open” to doing the same thing this season if the NFL schedule-maker cooperates.
“It makes sense when you’re traveling to the East Coast,” Baalke said. “Obviously, one of the things we definitely have to improve on is how we perform on the road. We were a different team, a remarkably different team at home than we were on the road last year.
[MAIOCCO: Baalke assesses 49ers' roster: 'Good, young nucleus']
“We have to figure that out. Was it that we were young? Do we have to do some things scheduling wise a little different? But we definitely have to take a hard look at that and figure out a way to play better on the road.”
San Francisco 49ers
Find the latest San Francisco 49ers news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Bay Area and California.
The 49ers were 4-4 at Levi’s Stadium last season and just 1-7 on the road. The 49ers did not allow more than 24 points in any home game, while they surrendered an average of 31.5 points on the road.
In 2011, the 49ers won at Cincinnati, remained in Youngstown and defeated the Philadelphia Eagles, 24-23. The next year, the 49ers lost at Minnesota, but bounced back with a 34-0 win at the New York Jets after practicing in Youngstown.
“It’s home to us,” Baalke said. “Youngstown State has been awesome to work with. They have great facilities. It’s a nice stay for our guys.”
The 49ers had back-to-back games in Chicago and Cleveland last December, but the organization decided it was too late in the season with the possibility of inclement weather for a weeklong stop in Youngstown to be advantageous.