49ers promote two coaches
Ryans will replace Saleh, McDaniel will be lone OC
Robert Saleh is leaving the San Francisco 49ers for the New York Jets’ head coaching job and reportedly taking passing game coordinator Mike LaFleur and offensive line coach John Benton with him.
The 49ers didn’t look far to fill those roles, promoting linebackers coach DeMeco Ryans to defensive coordinator, run game coordinator Mike McDaniel to offensive coordinator, the 49ers confirmed. Chris Foerster is expected to be promoted to offensive line coach from an assistant line position, reports NFL Network’s
Michael Silver.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan floated Ryans’ name as one atop his list for a defensive coordinator promotion while Saleh’s name swirled among the top candidates to land one of the many vacant head coaching jobs this season.
Ryans, 36, was named Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2006 and was named to two Pro Bowls in his 10year NFL as a linebacker for the Houston Texans and Philadelphia Eagles. He joined the 49ers coaching staff as their defensive quality control coach and was promoted to inside linebackers coach in 2018.
“DeMeco is well spoken. He’s got a lot of respect from his players. He’s incredibly intelligent. He’s a sponge for knowledge,” Saleh said of Ryans in December. “Even though he played in the league, I see him taking notes every day. Coach is talking, he’s taking notes. I’m talking, he’s taking notes. DB coach is talking, he’s taking notes.
“He’s an absolute sponge in that regard,” Saleh added. “It tells you he’s not just going to take a system and go; he’s going to evolve. Because of that, he’s got a really good chance to evolve and be a head coach one day.”
Linebacker Dre Greenlaw said Ryans’ experience as a top linebacker gives him a unique coaching perspective.