As the 49ers offseason progresses, the 49ers coaching staff has not taken shape yet taken shape, but things are certainly progressing in some sense. Jim Harbaugh has spoken some or all of the current 49ers assistants because we are seeing departures or soon to be departures.
49ers offensive coordinator Mike Johnson would appear to be the second official departure at this point. WR coach Jerry Sullivan indicated he was retiring and/or considering other options. Now, Johnson is reportedly going to become the new offensive coordinator of the UCLA Bruins. UCLA head coach Rick Neuheisel has not made an official announcement, but all reports indicate a deal is done. It sounds like the hold-up is figuring out what to do with current OC Norm Chow.
In other coaching news, the 49ers are reportedly considering former University of South Florida head coach Jim Leavitt to be their linebackers coach. Leavitt was fired by USF after allegedly striking a player in 2009. He sued the school and recently settled. He and Harbaugh have limited contacts, but it makes sense to see a controversial former head coach (in any capacity) get a shot as a position coach to start rebuilding his reputation. There had been some rumors that he might become the defensive line coach, but those quickly disappeared as it seems Jim Tomsula has a good shot at returning to the 49ers in that capacity.
The 49ers continue to wait on Stanford defensive coordinator Vic Fangio to figure out his plans. All the reports indicate the 49ers DC role is his if he wants it, but he has yet to make a decision after interviewing with the Cowboys for a similar role. The 49ers current DC, Greg Manusky, has been given permission to interview for a new job and has criss-crossed the league interviewing with the Panthers, Cowboys, and Cardinals, with an interview in San Diego potentially lined up.
Loading comments...