The San Francisco 49ers 2024 season ended on Sunday with a record of 6-11, expectations not even close to met and with changes needed.
On Wednesday, President of Football Operations/General Manager John Lynch and Head Coach Kyle Shanahan met with the media to talk about the season, the changes and what’s next.
Coach Comings and Goings
On Monday, the 49ers fired special teams coordinator Brian Schneider, after a season of special teams disasters pretty much every week. From allowing successful fake punts to turnovers to missed field goals to allowing a kickoff return for a touchdown, pretty much everything went wrong there.
On Tuesday, the 49ers relieved defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen of his duties as defensive coordinator.
“I just told him he is not going to be the defense coordinator,” Shanahan said. “He’s under contract still and I’m really hoping that he’ll come back, but that’s got to be something he and his family feel good about too and the exact role that we end up carving out for him, which I’ll work on here over the next few weeks.”
Shanahan also said that Sorensen is a candidate for special teams coordinator, a role he held in Jacksonville in 2021.
“[I]t was a real tough decision for me, and I’m still hoping that we can keep Nick here, but I do feel there are some other avenues that in the long run will be better for the 49ers,” Shanahan said.
And last, but not least, offensive passing game specialist/assistant quarterbacks coach Klay Kubiak will be the team’s offensive coordinator, a title no one has had since now-Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel at the end of the 2022 season.
“Klay’s role is going to be the same as it’s been which has been the offensive coordinator, he just hasn’t had that title yet,” Shanahan said. “Klay has done as much as anyone on offense for these last two years…And 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 continue to call plays.
Player Comings and Goings
The 49ers will designate defensive lineman Javon Hargrave as a post-June 1 release.
“We do have some [salary cap] challenges, and so this doesn’t mean we can’t compete for his services,” Lynch said. “It allows him though, rather than waiting until post June one, and being S.O.L. because free agency already happened, it gives him an opportunity to go see what’s his market and that may include us.”
In terms of wide receiver Deebo Samuel, about whose 2025 return to the 49ers has had much speculation, despite his being under contract, it sounds like he is in San Francisco’s plans.
“A good player and has done a ton for this organization, and we’re not in the business of letting good players of here,” Lynch said.
Time will tell.
Regarding LB Dre Greenlaw, a core member of the 49ers’ defense, but one who missed all but one half of the season while recovering from a torn Achilles, things are in flux.
“[W]e’re doing everything in the world we can to bring Greenlaw back,” Shanahan said. “…[W]e’re not into losing really good players who are unbelievable people…But that’s also a very hard challenge, very hard. And that’s something that you don’t just talk about in one meeting. There’s too many things that connect to that. Draft, free agency, roster, years, all that stuff. And that takes weeks, months to decide.”
It does sound like left tackle Trent Williams will be in 2025, after spending much of this past season dealing with an ankle injury.
“He had a bruise in the ankle joint and it probably took a little longer than anyone anticipated…,” said Lynch. “And the good news is, it’s taken a positive turn. Trent’s mindset is where it always is and he’s still very interested in being a great player that he is. And I think he’s still got a lot left in the tank. So, Trent’s committed as ever and we love having Trent Williams a part of us.”
Brock Purdy
During Monday’s locker clean out, QB Brock Purdy indicated that he would like to get his contract extension done sooner rather than later, saying he’s not a guy that wants “drama.”
“I think what we know about Brock is that he’s our guy,” said Lynch.
And though some have questioned it, Lynch and Shanahan were unwavering in their support in Purdy as their franchise quarterback.
“Brock is the leader of our team,” Shanahan said. “I’ve loved these three years with Brock. I plan on being with Brock here the whole time I’m here.”
The 49ers are officially on to 2025.