San Francisco 49ers Shake Up Coaching Staff Ahead of 2025 Season

In a significant move that could shape the future of the team, the San Francisco 49ers have announced a comprehensive overhaul of their coaching staff as they prepare for the 2025 NFL season. The changes include new hires and title adjustments that aim to bolster the team’s performance and address key areas of development.

One of the most noteworthy changes is the appointment of Mick Lombardi as the new quarterbacks coach, taking over from Brian Griese. Griese, who played a pivotal role in the development of rookie quarterback Brock Purdy last season, leaves behind a legacy of growth in the quarterback room. The circumstances surrounding his departure remain unclear, leaving fans and analysts speculating about the transition.

The 49ers have also welcomed a host of new faces to their coaching ranks. Colt Anderson joins as the assistant special teams coach after a successful stint as the special teams coordinator for the Tennessee Titans. His experience will be invaluable as he works alongside Ronald Blair III, who returns to the 49ers as a special teams quality control coach. Blair, a familiar name to 49ers fans, previously played as a defensive lineman for the team and brings a wealth of knowledge to the special teams unit.

On the defensive side, Gus Bradley has been brought in as the assistant head coach of defense, filling the void left by Brandon Staley. With over a decade of experience as a defensive coordinator, Bradley is expected to implement strategies that align with head coach Kyle Shanahan’s vision for the team.

Ray Brown, a newcomer to the NFL coaching scene, will be tasked with coaching the defensive backs and cornerbacks. His background includes coaching positions at various colleges, and he will face the challenge of overseeing a secondary that is likely to see new talent entering the fold.

Chris Foerster’s title has changed to assistant head coach/offensive line, a role he has been fulfilling since 2018. Meanwhile, Joe Graves transitions to offensive assistant/quarterbacks, collaborating with Lombardi in his inaugural season as the quarterbacks coach.

The 49ers’ coaching staff also sees familiar faces in new roles. Patrick Hagedorn continues to be a cornerstone of the organization as the chief of staff for football operations, while Leonard Hankerson rises through the ranks to become the wide receivers/passing game specialist. Hankerson’s rapid ascent within the coaching staff showcases his potential for future head coaching opportunities, especially if the 49ers’ offense thrives in the upcoming season.

Andrew Hayes-Stoker also shifts roles, moving from defensive quality control to offensive assistant/wide receivers. This change reflects the 49ers’ commitment to versatility and adaptability within their coaching framework.

Klay Kubiak has officially been named the offensive coordinator, a move anticipated by many following Shanahan’s end-of-season press conference. Lombardi’s return to the 49ers marks his second consecutive year with the team, and he brings a wealth of experience from previous coaching stints, including a role as the offensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders.

The coaching staff changes are rounded out with new hires like Jake Lynch, who steps into defensive quality control, and Greg Scruggs, who joins as the assistant defensive line coach. Jacob Webster also sees a title change to offensive quality control, reflecting the ongoing evolution of the team’s coaching structure.

As the 49ers gear up for the 2025 season, these coaching changes signal a commitment to improvement and adaptation. With a blend of experience and fresh perspectives, the team aims to enhance its performance on the field and build on the momentum generated in recent seasons. Fans will be watching closely to see how these changes impact the team’s trajectory in the upcoming NFL campaign.