Matt Patricia‘s firing led to his recently hired defensive coordinator relocating for a second time in a year. But Cory Undlin will receive another chance in San Francisco.
The 49ers are hiring the 2020 Lions DC, according to ESPN.com’s Field Yates (on Twitter). He will join fellow ex-coordinator James Bettcher on DeMeco Ryans‘ defensive staff. Undlin will work as San Francisco’s secondary coach, per Yates.
Undlin, 49, spent five seasons as the Eagles’ defensive backs coach but received an upward-mobility opportunity last year. The Lions hired Undlin to replace Paul Pasqualoni but did not improve on defense. While Detroit’s defense ranked last in DVOA, dropping from back-to-back No. 28 finishes under Pasqualoni, it rarely had its full secondary intact and was without top pass rusher Trey Flowers for most of the season.
Prior to Undlin’s move to Philly, he was on John Fox‘s Broncos staff as a DBs coach. He preceded former 49ers assistant Joe Woods in that role. Undlin has been an NFL assistant since 2004.
The 49ers are also hiring Butch Barry as assistant offensive line coach, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com notes. Barry, who was on the Packers’ staff this past season, has bounced between the college and pro levels in recent years. He headed up the Miami Hurricanes’ O-line in 2019 and spent the previous four seasons as the Buccaneers’ assistant OL coach.
Journeyman assistant who will probably run the cycle and end up back at Fresno State.
The Lions were the worst defense team in the league under Undlin.
49ers defense might not be as good next year. People complained about Saleh and are about to really have a reason to complain they realize he was actually a really good DC.
I don’t think anyone ever complained about saleh. We all knew how good he was.