The San Francisco 49ers are not keeping the status quo. Kyle Shanahan confirmed the 49ers would move on from their defensive coordinator and special teams coordinator while “adding,” at least nominally, an offensive coordinator. Here’s what we learned from Wednesday’s end-of-season presser.
Nick Sorenson out as DC, but maybe not with the 49ers
The 49ers will not keep Nick Sorenson as their defensive coordinator. That was the news of the day from Shanahan, who confirmed what he described as a very difficult decision.
"As hard as it is for me to come to this conclusion, but I feel there's some options out there that can end up being a better option," Shanahan said.
The 49ers want to keep Sorenson on staff, if he's interested. He will be a candidate for their special teams coordinator role after Brian Schneider's firing... which sets up potentially the second time Sorenson would step in for Schneider as special teams coordinator. That's what happened in Jacksonville in 2021 when Schneider left his post for personal reasons.
Shanahan indicated that the 49ers starting their hiring process so late last year is part of what led them to Sorenson. Their options were more limited by that timing, and the fact that they have extended time this season means the options should be more appealing.
One guy who will get an interview? Brandon Staley. Shanahan and Lynch were not asked about the dynamic of having Staley in an advisory role as the assistant head coach with Sorenson as a defensive coordinator, but it clearly did not work. They'll also look at outside candidates, with Robert Saleh and Jeff Ulbrich obvious options.
The clear indication from Shanahan is that while he is a fan of the Cover-3 scheme the 49ers have favored, it clearly did not work with the personnel the 49ers had this season. The indication was that Sorenson did not adapt as well as some of the candidates that Shanahan believes he may be able to bring in. They need an adaptable coordinator who can maximize personnel and adjust scheme if and when needed.
"I love the scheme that we've had here," Shanahan said. "It's one of the hardest things to through you when you got the right guys in the right spots, but I do think people adjust the schemes, and I think you have to adjust, too, depending on your personnel.
"I think that was a tougher thing for us this year just going into the season, it was a little bit harder than past seasons, and some of the injuries we had, I think made it really tough for Nick and I thought he got better trying to adjust and do different things, but I do think that's something that, I'm not saying you got to change schemes, but you have to have the ability, the history and the knowledge of how to change yourself up when you're in some certain situations and I think we need that more going forward."
Klay Kubiak just... becomes OC
While two of the 49ers' three coordinators (Chris Foerster is their run game coordinator/offensive line coach) lost their jobs, they added another. Klay Kubiak the team's offensive passing game specialist, has been promoted to offensive coordinator, Shanahan said.
Kubiak, apparently, has been doing the job for the past two years. He's just getting the coordinator title now.
"He did an awesome job [calling plays], and Klay's role is gonna be the same as it's been, which has been the offensive coordinator," Shanahan said. "He just hasn't had that title yet. I mean, Klay has done as much as anyone on offense for these last two years. So this was his second year doing that. He gets better and better each year at it. Just hasn't had the official title yet. Now he'll get the official title, which he more than deserves, but it's more about recognizing what he's already been doing and doing at a high level."
Shanahan said he will retain play calling responsibilities going forward. But he clarified that he is in constant communications with his lieutenants on a constant basis.
"Yeah, I call it, and only one person can speak to the quarterback, but [Kubiak], Foerster, [tight ends coach Brian] Fleury, those of guys I rely on through play calling throughout the game," Shanahan said. "It's not like I'm just in silence there calling every play. I'm discussing it with the guys. We prepared for it in the week, discussing it with the guys who are talking with their players and what they see. It's the same thing we all did for Klay versus Arizona."
Roster decisions: Hargrave likely gone, Deebo in, and Greenlaw...
John Lynch confirmed that defensive tackle Javon Hargrave is likely to be designated as a post-June 1 cut. The 49ers restructured his contract to set that up, though Lynch expressed a desire to retain him after that, if possible.
San Francisco also set up a restructure for Deebo Samuel that appeared to be similar. He has an option bonus due March 23, but could be designated for a post-June 1 cut that would save roughly $5 million.
Lynch, though, said the 49ers intend to keep Samuel.
"A good player and has done a ton for this organization and we're not in the business of letting good players out of here," Lynch said.
As far as Dre Greenlaw goes, there is nothing determined either way. But the 49ers would like to keep him.
"We're doing everything in the world we can to bring Greenlaw back," Shanahan said. "We're not into losing really good players who are unbelievable people, so we're going to do everything we can to never lose really good players who are good people. But that's also a very hard challenge.
Brock Purdy's looming contract
The last order of business, and the first order of business for the 49ers' offseason, is Brock Purdy's contract extension.
Purdy's comments Monday indicated that he wants to get a deal done quickly. Lynch said the reality of the season having just ended means a lot of discussions haven't happened yet, but he did not give any sign the 49ers want to beat around the bush, or intend to play hardball.
"What we know about Brock is that he's our guy," Lynch said. "We have interest Brock being around here for a long, long time."
Shanahan evaluated Purdy's play this season, and raved about what he accomplished. He clearly stated that the 49ers can win a Super Bowl with him.