Nick Sorensen

49ers Seeking New OC; Shanahan Still Calling Plays

January 8th, 2025 at 3:15pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

JANUARY 10: NFL rules will not permit the 49ers to promote passing game specialist Klint Kubiak to offensive coordinator, per Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports. Since the position was previously closed, San Francisco will have to conduct an open search process. Shanahan previously said that Kubiak has been the 49ers’ de facto OC for the last two years, but that will not allow the team to skirt league rules regarding hire processes.

Kubiak will certainly be the team’s top candidate for the job, but they will have to interview outside candidates in the coming weeks. That will have to include at least two minority candidates in accordance with the NFL’s Rooney Rule.

JANUARY 8: The 49ers are planning to promote Klay Kubiak to offensive coordinator, per NBC Sports’ Matt Maiocco, though head coach Kyle Shanahan said that he will retain play-calling duties.

Kubiak, who was the offensive passing game specialist in 2024, will become the 49ers’ first coach since Mike McDaniel to hold the title.

There could be several reasons for Kubiak’s promotion. The title bump, which likely comes with a pay increase, may be an attempt to keep Kubiak from considering offensive coordinator jobs with other teams. Despite a myriad of injuries, the 49ers still finished with the fourth-most passing yards in the league this year, despite ranking 22nd in total passing attempts.

The 49ers could be trying to help their young coach’s career. A year of OC experience could increase Kubiak’s chances of drawing head coaching interest in next year’s hiring cycle. McDaniel was San Francisco’s offensive coordinator during the 2021 season before he was hired as the head coach in Miami.

Shanahan could also want to spend more time with the defense after falling to 29th in points allowed this season after three straight finishes in the top 10. He mentioned Brandon Staley – currently the 49ers’ assistant head coach – as an option to replace defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen, per the Bay Area News Group’s Cam Inman. Sorensen will not have a second year as DC, but could return to the team as special teams coordinator.

Since the 49ers missed the playoffs for the first time since 2020, they will have more time to interview coaching candidates in the coming weeks.

Nick Sorensen Won’t Return As 49ers Defensive Coordinator

January 7th, 2025 at 8:47pm CST by Ben Levine

The 49ers will be seeking their fourth defensive coordinator in four years. Nick Sorensen won’t return as the 49ers defensive coordinator in 2025, according to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area.

However, Sorensen’s stint in San Francisco may not be over. Maiocco adds that the 49ers are hoping they can keep the coach on Kyle Shanahan’s staff for next season. One option could be special teams coordinator, as Matt Barrows of The Athletic notes. The 49ers fired ST coordinator Brian Schneider the other day, and Sorensen served in that role during his time with the Jaguars.

After ranking third in points allowed in 2023, the 49ers dropped to 29th during Sorenson’s first season at the helm. The defense also struggled to generate turnovers, with Cam Inman of the Mercury News noting that the team had zero interceptions over their final seven games and only one fumble recovery over their final 11 games.

There was hope that Sorenson would help guide the 49ers to a new level after the team fired Steve Wilks last offseason. The former NFL journeyman moved quickly through the coaching ranks in San Francisco, where he worked his way up from a defensive assistant to defensive pass game specialist to defensive coordinator in three seasons. In addition to his one-year stint as Jaguars ST coordinator, Sorenson also had experience coaching defense with the Seahawks, where he served as the team’s secondary coach during the final seasons of the Legion of Boom era.

While the 49ers dealt with a long list of injuries, the team clearly wasn’t willing to tolerate the clear regression from the defense in 2024. Now, the organization will be seeking their fourth defensive coordinator in four seasons. Prior to Wilks one-year stint as defensive coordinator, DeMeco Ryans spent two years in the role before becoming head coach of the Texans.

Ryans’ predecessor, Robert Saleh, could be a candidate to take over for Sorenson, as Inman notes. Saleh spent four years as San Francisco’s defensive coach before leaving to become the Jets head coach in 2021. He was canned by the Jets earlier this season before catching on as a consultant in Green Bay, and he’s already emerged as a candidate for the Jaguars head coaching vacancy. It’s more likely that Saleh’s return to coaching will require a stop as coordinator, and a familiar spot in San Francisco could be his softest-possible landing.

Inman also points to Jeff Ulbrich and Gus Bradley as potential candidates for the 49ers new DC opening. Ulbrich most recently served as Saleh’s interim replacement in New York, and that was preceded by a three-plus-year stint as the Jets DC. The veteran coach crossed paths with Shanahan in Atlanta, and he spent his entire 10-year playing career in San Francisco.

Bradley and Shanahan have never worked alongside each other, but the veteran coach brings plenty of experience. Bradley most recently served as the Colts defensive coordinator, a role he held for three seasons before getting dismissed yesterday. Bradley also held DC roles with the Raiders, Chargers, and Seahawks, and he had a four-year stint as head coach with the Jaguars.

49ers HC Kyle Shanahan Addresses DC Nick Sorensen’s Performance

December 30th, 2024 at 9:00am CST by Adam La Rose

Not long after their Super Bowl loss, the 49ers moved on from defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. That decision came as little surprise given the perceived friction between he and head coach Kyle Shanahan, and the latter’s search for a replacement was a key element of San Francisco’s offseason.

The team looked into a number of candidates but ultimately elected to promote Nick Sorensen to the role. The 46-year-old has been an NFL staffer since 2013, but this season has been his first at the coordinator level. San Francisco’s defense – a unit which, much like the the team’s offense, has been hit hard by injuries – has struggled in several categories despite ranking second in yards allowed per game. While Shanahan stopped short of confirming Sorensen will be back in 2025, his comments certainly suggest that will be the case.

“I think Nick has done a good job as a coach,” Shanahan said (via Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle). “No one’s happy with our results by any means. I think he’s been thrown in a number of situations that I think will make him better going forward. I’ve watched him adjust to a bunch of different situations.”

Entering Monday night’s action, the 49ers sit 19th in the league in points allowed per game and 29th in red zone defense. Those figures represent a notable step back from last year, and changes could be coming at a number of positions this offseason as the team faces several notable pending free agents. That list includes safety Talanoa Hufanga and linebacker Dre Greenlaw, both of whom are targets for new contracts. It remains to be seen if one or both will be affordable given San Francisco’s other financial priorities, though.

The 49ers met with several outside candidates for the DC role last offseason, one of whom was Brandon Staley. The former Chargers head coach has experience as a defensive coordinator at the NFL level (2020 with the Rams), and especially after one season working under Shanahan as an assistant head coach he could be a candidate to take charge of the defense if Sorensen were to be dismissed. A strong showing to close out the season (including tonight’s matchup with the high-flying Lions) would help Sorensen’s case for being retained, however.

As Branch notes, Sorensen’s background with Shanahan’s preferred defensive scheme could help his cause to remain in place for 2025. Expectations will be high for a step forward on that side of the ball next year, and it will be interesting to see if the team prefers continuity on the sidelines or opts for changes once again in the winter.

Latest On 49ers Coaching Staff

March 5th, 2024 at 9:16pm CST by Ben Levine

The 49ers found their replacement for Steve Wilks this past weekend when they promoted defensive passing game specialist Nick Sorensen to defensive coordinator. While Sorensen has had a rapid rise through the organization in recent years, his ascent to DC could have happened even sooner.

According to Albert Breer of SI.com, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan was so impressed by Sorensen’s first season in San Francisco that he considered promoting the coach to DC last offseason. Shanahan ultimately believed that Sorensen needed a bit more time to develop, leading the 49ers to hire Wilks as their replacement for DeMeco Ryans.

The 49ers have also brought in Brandon Staley for some experience on their defensive coaching staff. Breer passes along that the former Chargers head coach will serve as the 49ers new assistant head coach, confirming earlier reports.

One name that wasn’t a reported candidate for the job was Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. However, Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reports that “there was mutual interest in exploring a marriage,” with Ulbrich presumably being recruited to be the team’s new DC. Ultimately, the Jets made it clear that they weren’t going to let their coordinator take a lateral job elsewhere, and the 49ers never requested a formal request for an interview.

Ulbrich would have been a natural candidate for the job considering his connects to San Francisco. He grew up in the Bay Area and played 10 seasons for the 49ers organization. Further, as Rosenblatt notes, Ulbrich aspires to be a head coach one day, and two of San Francisco’s last three DCs ultimately earned head coaching jobs.

With Sorensen now in place as defensive coordinator, he’s starting to add to his staff. The team did add one notable name this week, with K.J. Wright announcing that he’s joining the 49ers as an assistant linebackers coach (via Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times). Wright, of course, spent a decade with the 49ers’ division rivals in Seattle, with the linebacker ranking third in Seahawks history in tackles.

Wright and Sorensen previously worked alongside each other with the Seahawks, as the coach spent close to a decade on Pete Carroll‘s staff. According to Michael-Shawn Dugar and David Lombardi of The Athletic, Wright also interviewed for a position on Mike Macdonald’s new Seahawks staff, but the organization ultimately decided to go in a different direction.

49ers Promote Nick Sorensen To DC, Add Brandon Staley To Staff

March 2nd, 2024 at 10:29pm CST by Ben Levine

After eyeing five candidates for their open defensive coordinator job, the 49ers have landed on an in-house option. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the 49ers are promoting defensive passing game specialist Nick Sorensen to defensive coordinator. The 49ers are also hiring another DC candidate, Brandon Staley, for a “prominent staff role,” according to Schefter. That could include the role of assistant head coach.

Following a 10-year playing career, Sorensen transitioned to coaching in 2013. He spent close to a decade on the Seahawks staff, initially working as an assistant special teams coach before moving to the defensive side of the ball, where he served as the team’s secondary coach for four years.

The Jaguars hired him as their special teams coordinator in 2021, but he only lasted a season in Jacksonville before joining the 49ers as a defensive assistant in 2022. It took him one year to earn a promotion to defensive pass game coordinator/nickels coach.

While the 49ers cast a relatively wide net to replace Steve Wilks, the organization hinted that they were valuing continuity in their search. The 49ers also interviewed defensive backs coach Daniel Bullocks for the role, and Schefter notes that the organization didn’t want to “stray far from what it has done defensively for the past seven years.” In fact, Schefter adds that part of the reason why Wilks was fired was because of his inability to “adapt to the defensive scheme” of former 49ers squads led by Robert Saleh and DeMeco Ryans.

While Sorensen has only been on the staff for two seasons, he does possess familiarity with the team’s scheme. Pete Carroll ran a similar defense in Seattle, and Schefter notes that Sorensen’s experience was “perhaps most valuable” in his promotion.

Staley was fired by the Chargers back in December following two-plus seasons with the organization. He finished his head coaching stint with a 24-24 record, including a single one-and-done playoff appearance. Prior to his stint with the Chargers, Staley served as the defensive coordinator with the Rams in 2020. He also previously served as linebackers coach for the Broncos and Bears.

While Staley’s defensive scheme differs from the 49ers’ scheme, GM John Lynch said that wouldn’t prevent the coach from joining the staff.

“He’s a really bright dude,” Lynch said (via Schefter). “We have an open mind, but we do know there’s certain core principles that we’re going to always be on the defensive side. … I wouldn’t rule him out because of that.”

Staley is expected to be the team’s new assistant head coach, a role previously held by Anthony Lynn (who, ironically, was also a former Chargers HC). After spending the past two seasons in San Francisco, Lynn joined Dan Quinn‘s new Commanders staff as their run game coordinator/running backs coach.

49ers Complete DC Interviews With Brandon Staley, Nick Sorensen

February 26th, 2024 at 10:03pm CST by Adam La Rose

In the wake of the team’s Super Bowl loss, 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks was dismissed. That has created the lone coordinator vacancy remaining in the NFL’s coaching cycle, but the process of filling it is underway.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan informed NBC Sports’ Matt Maiocco that a pair of DC interviews have already taken place. Those initial meetings have been with former Chargers head coach Brandon Staley, as well as 49ers defensive passing game specialist Nick Sorensen. Another internal option – defensive backs coach Daniel Bullocks – will likely interview for the position later this week, per Shanahan.

Staley saw his time at the helm of the Chargers come to an end midway through the 2023 campaign. His first HC opportunity did not go according to plan, but his reputation dating back to his time as a position coach and coordinator earned him multiple DC interviews. Staley spoke with the Packers, Rams and Dolphins about their respective vacancies. The San Francisco gig represents the 41-year-old’s final opportunity to land an NFL coordinator position in 2024.

Failing that, Staley could find a role as a position coach on an NFL staff, or he could take on a position in the NCAA ranks (having most recently coached in college during the 2016 campaign). Of course, the former Rams DC could spend a year off the sidelines altogether in a bid to return during the 2025 hiring cycle. San Francisco will also consider in-house options, though.

Sorenson transitioned from playing to coaching over one decade ago, taking his first opportunity with the Seahawks in 2013. He has primarily worked on the defensive side of the ball since then, though his background on special teams landed him the ST coordinator gig with the Jaguars in 2021. After a single season in Jacksonville, the 45-year-old joined the 49ers’ staff. The 2023 campaign was his first in his current capacity.

Bollocks has been in San Francisco since Shanahan’s arrival in 2017. He spent a pair of season as an assistant working with the team’s defensive backs before being promoted to the lead role. After bringing in Wilks from outside the organization, the 49ers could elect to stay in-house with his next hire by promoting one of Bollocks or Sorenson.

Shanahan added that at least two other external candidates are expected to be interviewed in the coming days, though. In all, two minority candidates must be considered to satisfy the Rooney Rule. The 49ers do not have any NFL competition for their DC vacancy, but a decision could be coming soon as the interview process continues.

2024 Offensive/Defensive Coordinator Search Tracker

February 9th, 2024 at 1:10pm CST by Sam Robinson

After a crowded carousel previously stopped, the 49ers opened their defensive coordinator position. Here is how the NFC champions’ search looks:

Updated 3-2-24 (10:00am CT)

Offensive Coordinators

Atlanta Falcons (Out: Dave Ragone)

Cortez Hankton, co-offensive coordinator (LSU): Interview requested
Zac Robinson, quarterbacks coach (Rams): Hired

Buffalo Bills (Out: Ken Dorsey)

Joe Brady, interim offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach (Bills): Hired
Thad Lewis, quarterbacks coach (Buccaneers): Interviewed

Carolina Panthers (Out: Thomas Brown)

Marcus Brady, senior offensive assistant (Eagles): Interview requested
Brad Idzik, wide receivers coach (Buccaneers): Hired

Chicago Bears (Out: Luke Getsy)

Marcus Brady, senior offensive assistant (Eagles): Interview requested
Thomas Brown, offensive coordinator (Panthers): Interviewed 1/17
Liam Coen, offensive coordinator (Kentucky): Interviewed
Kliff Kingsbury, senior offensive analyst (USC): Interviewed 1/18
Klint Kubiak, pass-game coordinator (49ers): Interviewed
Kellen Moore, offensive coordinator (Chargers): Interview blocked
Greg Olson, quarterbacks coach (Seahawks): Interviewed
Zac Robinson, quarterbacks coach (Rams): Interviewed
Greg Roman, former offensive coordinator (Ravens): Interviewed
Shane Waldron, offensive coordinator (Seahawks): Hired

Cincinnati Bengals (Out: Brian Callahan)

Andy Dickerson, offensive line coach (Seahawks): To interview
Dan Pitcher, quarterbacks coach (Bengals): Promoted

Cleveland Browns (Out: Alex Van Pelt)

Andy Dickerson, offensive line coach (Seahawks): To interview
Ken Dorsey, former offensive coordinator (Bills): Hired
Brian Johnson, former offensive coordinator (Eagles): Interviewed 1/25
Jerrod Johnson, quarterbacks coach (Texans): Interviewed 1/23
Kellen Moore, offensive coordinator (Chargers): Interview requested; hired as Eagles OC

Las Vegas Raiders (Out: Mick Lombardi)

Eric Bieniemy, offensive coordinator (Commanders): Spoke recently
Luke Getsy, former offensive coordinator (Bears): Hired
Chip Kelly, former head coach (Eagles/49ers): Interviewed twice
Thad Lewis, quarterbacks coach (Buccaneers): Interview requested
Kliff Kingsbury, senior offensive analyst (USC): Withdrew from consideration
Klint Kubiak, pass-game coordinator (49ers): May interview; hired as Saints OC
Dan Pitcher, quarterbacks coach (Bengals): To interview 1/24; hired as Bengals OC
Zac Robinson, quarterbacks coach (Rams): Interview requested; hired as Falcons OC
Mike Sullivan, quarterback coach (Steelers): Interviewed 1/25
Alex Van Pelt, former offensive coordinator (Browns): Interviewed 1/25; hired as Patriots OC
Shane Waldron, offensive coordinator (Seahawks): Mentioned as candidate; hired as Bears OC

Los Angeles Chargers (Out: Kellen Moore)

Marcus Brady, senior offensive assistant (Eagles): Hired as pass-game coordinator
Greg Roman, former offensive coordinator (Ravens): Hired

New England Patriots (Out: Bill O’Brien)

Thomas Brown, offensive coordinator (Panthers): Interviewed
Nick Caley, tight ends coach (Rams): Conducted second interview 1/29
Tanner Engstrand, pass-game coordinator (Lions): Interviewed
Brian Fleury, tight ends coach (49ers): Interviewed
Luke Getsy, former offensive coordinator (Bears): Interviewed 1/30
Klint Kubiak, passing game coordinator (49ers): Interviewed
Dan Pitcher, quarterbacks coach (Bengals): Interviewed 1/23; hired as Bengals OC
Zac Robinson, quarterbacks coach (Rams): Interview requested; hired as Falcons OC
Scott Turner, passing game coordinator (Raiders): Interview expected
Alex Van Pelt, former offensive coordinator (Browns): Hired
Shane Waldron, offensive coordinator (Seahawks): Interviewed; hired as Bears OC

New Orleans Saints (Out: Pete Carmichael)

Ronald Curry, quarterbacks coach (Saints): Interviewed
Luke Getsy, former offensive coordinator (Bears): Conducted second interview 1/31
Brian Griese, quarterbacks coach (49ers): Interviewed
Brian Johnson, former offensive coordinator (Eagles): Interviewed 1/29
Jerrod Johnson, quarterbacks coach (Texans): Conducted second interview 1/27
Klint Kubiak, pass-game coordinator (49ers): Hired
Greg Lewis, receivers coach (Ravens): To interview
Dan Pitcher, quarterbacks coach (Bengals): Second interview on 1/24; hired as Bengals OC
Zac Robinson, quarterbacks coach (Rams): Interviewed; hired as Falcons OC
Mike Sullivan, quarterbacks coach (Steelers): To interview
Shane Waldron, offensive coordinator (Seahawks): Interviewed; hired as Bears OC

Philadelphia Eagles (Out: Brian Johnson)

Jerrod Johnson, quarterbacks coach (Texans): Interviewed
Kliff Kingsbury, senior offensive analyst (USC): Interviewed 1/23
Kellen Moore, offensive coordinator (Chargers): Hired

Pittsburgh Steelers (Out: Matt Canada)

Thomas Brown, offensive coordinator (Panthers): Interviewed 1/24
Jerrod Johnson, quarterbacks coach (Texans): Interviewed 1/26
Zac Robinson, quarterbacks coach (Rams): Interview requested; hired as Falcons OC
Arthur Smith, former head coach (Falcons): Hired

Seattle Seahawks (Out: Shane Waldron)

Eric Bieniemy, former offensive coordinator (Commanders): Rumored candidate
Tanner Engstrand, pass-game coordinator (Lions): Interview requested
Ryan Grubb, offensive coordinator (Alabama): Expected to be hired
Mike Kafka, offensive coordinator (Giants): Interview blocked

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Out: Dave Canales)

Liam Coen, offensive coordinator (Kentucky): Hired
Ken Dorsey, former offensive coordinator (Bills): To interview
Tanner Engstrand, pass-game coordinator (Lions): To interview
Brian Johnson, former offensive coordinator (Eagles): Interviewed 1/30
Jerrod Johnson, quarterbacks coach (Texans): Interviewed 1/30
Thad Lewis, quarterbacks coach (Buccaneers): Interviewed 1/31
Kellen Moore, offensive coordinator (Chargers): To interview 1/29; hired as Eagles OC
Jake Peetz, pass-game specialist (Rams): Interviewed 2/1
Antwaan Randle El, wide receivers coach (Lions): Interviewed 1/26
Zac Robinson, quarterbacks coach (Rams): Interview requested; hired as Falcons OC
John Van Dam, tight ends coach (Buccaneers): To interview
Alex Van Pelt, former offensive coordinator (Browns): Interviewed 1/29

Tennessee Titans (Out: Tim Kelly)

Nick Holz, passing game coordinator (Jaguars): Hired
Thad Lewis, quarterbacks coach (Buccaneers): Interviewed
Eric Studesville, associate head coach/running backs coach (Dolphins): Interview requested

Washington Commanders (Out: Eric Bieniemy)

Chip Kelly, former head coach (Eagles/49ers): On team’s radar
Kliff Kingsbury, senior offensive analyst (USC): Hired

Defensive Coordinators

Atlanta Falcons (Out: Ryan Nielsen)

Sean Desai, former defensive coordinator (Eagles): To interview
Aden Durde, defensive line coach (Cowboys): Interview requested
Jimmy Lake, former head coach (Washington): Hired

Baltimore Ravens (Out: Mike Macdonald)

Zach Orr, inside linebackers coach (Ravens): Promoted

Buffalo Bills

Bobby Babich, linebackers coach (Bills): Promoted
Mike Caldwell, former defensive coordinator (Jaguars): Interviewed
Sean Desai, former defensive coordinator (Eagles): To interview

Chicago Bears (Out: Alan Williams)

Joe Barry, former defensive coordinator (Packers): To interview 1/27
Chris Harris, secondary coach (Titans): To interview
Eric Washington, assistant head coach/defensive line coach (Bills): Hired
Terrell Williams, assistant head coach/defensive line coach (Titans): To interview

Dallas Cowboys (Out: Dan Quinn)

Aden Durde, defensive line coach (Cowboys): Interviewed 2/6
Al Harris, cornerbacks coach (Cowboys): Mentioned as candidate
Marquand Manuel, safeties coach (Jets): To interview 2/8
Ron Rivera, former head coach (Commanders): Interviewed 2/5
Rex Ryan, former head coach (Bills): Interviewed; team still interested
Joe Whitt, defensive backs coach (Cowboys): Frontrunner?; hired as Commanders DC
Mike Zimmer, former head coach (Vikings): Hired

Green Bay Packers (Out: Joe Barry)

Bobby Babich, linebackers coach (Bills): To interview; hired as Bills DC
Aden Durde, defensive line coach (Cowboys): Interview requested
Ejiro Evero, defensive coordinator (Panthers): Rumored candidate
Jeff Hafley, head coach (Boston College): Hired
Chris Harris, secondary coach (Titans): Rumored candidate
Zach Orr, linebackers coach (Ravens): Interviewed 1/31
Christian Parker, defensive backs coach (Broncos): Interviewed 1/25
Aubrey Pleasant, defensive backs coach (Rams): Rumored candidate
Brandon Staley, former head coach (Chargers): Interviewed 1/26
Dennard Wilson, defensive backs coach (Ravens): Interview requested

Jacksonville Jaguars (Out: Mike Caldwell)

Shane Bowen, defensive coordinator (Titans): Interviewed
Ejiro Evero, defensive coordinator (Panthers): Interview blocked
Chris Harris, defensive backs coach (Titans): Interviewed
Chris Hewitt, pass-game coordinator (Ravens): Interviewed
Marquand Manuel, safeties coach (Jets): Interviewed 1/18
Don Martindale, former defensive coordinator (Giants): Interviewed 1/16-1/17
Ryan Nielsen, defensive coordinator (Falcons): Hired

Los Angeles Chargers (Out: Derrick Ansley)

Jesse Minter, defensive coordinator (Michigan): Hired

Los Angeles Rams (Out: Raheem Morris)

Aden Durde, defensive line coach (Cowboys): Interview requested
Ejiro Evero, defensive coordinator (Panthers): Mentioned as candidate
Aubrey Pleasant, defensive backs coach (Rams): Expected to interview
Ron Rivera, former head coach (Commanders): Interviewed
Chris Shula, inside linebackers coach (Rams): Promoted
Brandon Staley, former head coach (Chargers): Interviewed 1/30
Dennard Wilson, defensive backs coach (Ravens): To interview

Miami Dolphins (Out: Vic Fangio)

Bobby Babich, linebackers coach (Bills): Interview requested
Anthony Campanile, inside linebackers coach (Dolphins): Interviewed
Ejiro Evero, defensive coordinator (Panthers): Interview blocked
Leslie Frazier, former defensive coordinator (Bills): Interviewed 1/30
Chris Kiffin, linebackers coach (Texans): To interview
Chris Shula, linebackers coach/pass-rush coordinator (Rams): To interview 2/1
Ryan Slowik, outside linebackers coach (Dolphins): Interview expected
Brandon Staley, former head coach (Chargers): Interviewed
Anthony Weaver, defensive line coach (Ravens): Hired

New England Patriots

DeMarcus Covington, defensive line coach (Patriots): Promoted
Michael Hodges, linebackers coach (Saints): To interview
Tem Lukabu, outside linebackers coach (Panthers): To interview
Christian Parker, defensive backs coach (Broncos): Interviewed

New York Giants (Out: Don Martindale)

Derrick Ansley, defensive coordinator (Chargers): Interviewed
Bobby Babich, linebackers coach (Bills): Interview requested; promoted to Bills DC
Shane Bowen, defensive coordinator (Titans): To be hired
Anthony Campanile, linebackers coach (Dolphins): Interview requested
Brendan Daly, linebackers coach (Chiefs): Interviewed
Ejiro Evero, defensive coordinator (Panthers): Interview blocked
Daronte Jones, defensive pass game coordinator (Vikings): Interviewed
Dennard Wilson, defensive backs coach (Ravens): To conduct second interview; hired as Titans DC

Philadelphia Eagles (Out: Sean Desai)

Mike Caldwell, former defensive coordinator (Jaguars): Interviewed
Vic Fangio, former defensive coordinator (Dolphins): Hired
Ron Rivera, former head coach (Commanders): Interviewed 1/22

San Francisco 49ers (Out: Steve Wilks)

Gerald Alexander, safeties coach (Raiders): Interviewed 3/1
Daniel Bullocks, defensive backs coach (49ers): Interviewed 2/28
David Merritt, defensive backs coach (Chiefs): To interview
Nick Sorensen, defensive passing game specialist (49ers): Promoted
Brandon Staley, former head coach (Chargers): Interviewed

Seattle Seahawks (Out: Clint Hurtt)

Joe Cullen, defensive line coach (Chiefs): Mentioned as candidate
Aden Durde, defensive line coach (Cowboys): Hire expected

Tennessee Titans (Out: Shane Bowen)

Brandon Lynch, cornerbacks coach (Browns): Interviewed 1/30
Dennard Wilson, defensive backs coach (Ravens): Hired

Washington Commanders (Out: Jack Del Rio)

Joe Cullen, defensive line coach (Chiefs): Considered a candidate
Joe Whitt, defensive backs coach (Cowboys): Hired

49ers Rumors: Lance, McKivitz, Snead, Staff

May 6th, 2023 at 3:53pm CST by Ely Allen

There’s been a swirl of rumors recently amongst 49ers quarterback Trey Lance as San Francisco does its usual quarterback shuffle. Some reports have the former No. 3 overall pick getting traded, while others have him staying pat.

The team reportedly views last year’s Irrelevant rookie Brock Purdy as their optimal starter, but Purdy isn’t expected to be healthy until much closer to the start of the season. In the meantime, the 49ers’ back up plan lies with Lance and free agent addition Sam Darnold, who many are now pegging as the team’s Week 1 starter come September.

Part of that has to do with Lance’s own injury situation, but according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN, general manager John Lynch told the media last weekend that Lance has been fully cleared to participate. Wagoner also reported that the team, who has experienced an inordinate amount of quarterback injuries, is looking to add a fourth passer via undrafted free agency. As of yet, no such signing has been reported, but the team did bring on veteran backup Brandon Allen days ago.

Here are a few other rumors surrounding last year’s NFC West champions:

With starting tackle Mike McGlinchey departing in free agency for Denver, many thought San Francisco would address the departure through the draft. Seven rounds later, and no rookie offensive linemen were drafted by the 49ers. They did sign three undrafted rookies in Shepherd’s Joey Fisher, Washington’s Corey Luciano, and Hawai’i’s Ilm Manning, but they are expected to go with a currently rostered veteran, according to Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle. Branch saw San Francisco’s inaction in the draft as a vote of confidence in fourth-year tackle Colton McKivitz. McKivitz has been a reserve and spent some time on injured reserve in his first three years, only starting five games, but the Niners have faith in him, as evidenced by their re-signing him to a two-year deal in early-March.
The 49ers re-signed veteran wide receiver Willie Snead for another year, and it appears his new deal will be the league’s veteran minimum, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2. He’ll have a base salary of $1.17MM, $275K of it guaranteed, to go along with a $25K signing bonus. He’ll also receive a Week 1 bonus of $127.5K if he’s still rostered by then.
It looks like the 49ers were able to prevent former safeties coach Daniel Bullocks from following his mentor, DeMeco Ryans, to Houston. According to Josh Alper of NBC Sports, Bullocks has been named San Francisco’s new defensive backs coach. Additionally, Nick Sorensen, a defensive assistant last year, has been promoted to defensive passing game specialist for 2023. Lastly, to round out the defensive staff, Andrew Hayes-Stoker, a defensive quality control coach last year, has been promoted to assistant defensive backs coach and Cameron Brown has been hired to fill the newly open quality control position.

NFC Coaching Notes: 49ers, Buccaneers, Falcons

March 1st, 2022 at 10:01pm CST by Ben Levine

After getting canned as Jaguars special teams coordinator, Nick Sorensen has found a new gig in San Francisco. The veteran coach will join the 49ers staff as a defensive assistant, reports Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com. Prior to his one-year stint on the Jaguars coaching staff, Sorensen had a stint with the Seahawks as their special teams assistant and assistant secondary coach.

The 49ers are also hiring Stephen Adegoke as a defensive quality control coach (per Charean Williams of ProFootballTalk.com). Adegoke last served as a graduate assistant on the University of Michigan’s staff.

Meanwhile, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports that veteran running backs coach Bobby Turner is stepping away from his role with the 49ers, although the 72-year-old isn’t necessarily retiring. Turner has been a RBs coach in the NFL since 1995, and he’s been with the 49ers since 2017. Former Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn, who joined the 49ers as assistant head coach, is expected to work closely with the running backs.

More coaching notes out of the NFC…

The Buccaneers announced that Larry Foote will move from outside linebackers coach to inside linebackers coach (via The Athletic’s Greg Auman on Twitter). Veteran assistant Bob Sanders, who worked with head coach Bruce Arians in Arizona, will be taking over as OLBs coach. Auman also tweets that the Buccaneers hired two new quality control coaches in Jeff Kastl (offense) and Joey Fitzgerald (defense).
The Commandeers announced today that they’ve promoted four coaches (via Williams): Todd Storm (offensive quality control coach to assistant tight ends coach), Luke Del Rio (offensive quality control coach to assistant quarterbacks coach/offensive quality control), Vincent Rivera (defensive quality control to assistant linebackers coach/defensive quality control), and Cristian Garcia (coaching intern to defensive quality control coach).
The Falcons are hiring Steven King as a special teams assistant, according to ESPN’s Michael Rothstein (via Twitter). King served as the Tar Heels special teams quality control coach in 2021. He’ll report to Falcons special teams coordinator Marquice Williams.
Mark DeLeone is out as the Lions inside linebackers coach, reports Tim Twentyman of the team’s website (on Twitter). Kelvin Sheppard, who spent last season as outside linebackers coach, will move to inside linebackers coach. Meanwhile, following the promotion of Ben Johnson to offensive coordinator, Tanner Engstrand will be the Lions new tight ends coach.
Ramsen Golpashin, who recently served as an offensive line and defensive line analyst with UCLA, will join the Packers staff as an offensive quality control coach, per Bruce Feldman of The Athletic (on Twitter). Golpashin has also become a hot name on the draft circuit, working with top linemen prospects like Ickey Ekwonu and Aidan Hutchinson.

AFC Coaching Notes: Broncos, Jaguars, Chiefs

February 5th, 2022 at 9:47am CST by Ben Levine

As Nathaniel Hackett continues to build his staff with the Broncos, the new head coach interviewed many of the team’s holdover position coaches this week, reports Mike Klis of 9News in Denver (via Twitter). The majority of these coaches are “pretty much on hold,” but a handful of coaches are starting to get clarity on their job security.

As Klis notes, defensive backs coach Christian Parker is one of the coaches who will return next season. The 30-year-old has had a rapid rise through the coaching ranks. Prior to getting hired as the Broncos DBs coach in 2021, he spent time as the defensive quality control coach with the Packers. Of course, Hackett was on that Green Bay staff, so there’s already familiarity between the two.

Meanwhile, long-time coach Reggie Herring won’t be retained (per Klis on Twitter). The linebackers coach had been with the organization since their Super Bowl-winning 2015 campaign. He previously spent time as the linebackers coach with the Bears, Texans (two stints), and Cowboys.

More coaching notes out of the AFC:

The Jaguars won’t be retaining special teams coordinator Nick Sorensen, reports Aaron Wilson (via Twitter). The former player was added to Urban Meyer’s staff last offseason. The 43-year-old previously spent time with the Seahawks, serving as assistant ST coach, assistant defensive backs coach, and secondary coach.
SiriusXM’s Adam Caplan tweets that Andrew Breiner could be a candidate for Doug Pederson’s new Jaguars staff, potentially as quarterbacks coach. Breiner was last in the NFL in 2020 when he was the passing game analyst for the Eagles, and he spent the 2021 campaign in the college ranks as the offensive coordinator at FIU.
The Chiefs have hired Joe Cullen as their new defensive line coach, with former DL coach Brendan Daly moving to linebackers coach (per a team announcement on Twitter). Cullen spent last season as the Jaguars defensive coordinator, and he had talks with the Ravens and Colts about their DC vacancies. He was a DL coach for more than a decade during stints with the Lions, Jaguars, Browns, Buccaneers, and Ravens. Daley had spent the past three seasons as the Chiefs DL coach.
The Bills are expected to hire Vikings offensive line coach Phil Rauscher in the same role, reports ESPN’s Courtney Cronin (via Twitter). Rauscher was one of several Vikings coaches who were given permission to seek other coaching opportunities. The 36-year-old had previous NFL coaching gigs with the Broncos and Washington.
Former Texans offensive coordinator Tim Kelly is in talks to join the Titans staff, reports ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler (via Twitter). Only 35, Kelly had a quick rise through the Texans organization. After starting as an offensive quality control coach in 2014, Kelly was eventually promoted to assistant offensive line coach, tight ends coach, and (ultimately) OC. He was fired by the organization after the season. Kelly has ties to Titans coach Mike Vrabel stemming from their stints in Houston.

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