On the same day that the San Francisco 49ers hired Tony Sparano to be their new tight ends coach, they promoted another former NFL head coach to defensive coordinator.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, San Francisco has promoted Eric Mangini, who spent last season as the team’s tight ends coach, to defensive coordinator.
While some will question why a coach that spent last season on offense will be running the team’s defense, it’s important to note that Mangini spent the 2005 season as the New England Patriots defensive coordinator prior to a three-year stint as the New York Jets head coach and two seasons in the same role with the Cleveland Browns.
Mangini-led defenses haven’t necessarily ranked atop of the NFL during his career. In six seasons in charge of that side of the ball, his units have finished in the bottom third of the NFL in yards against four times.
However, new 49ers head coach Jim Tomsula will be in charge of running that unit. While he doesn’t even have coordinating experience in the NFL, Tomsula is known as a great defensive mind and is well respected around the league.
Following the promotion of Mangini, San Francisco’s defensive coaching staff is starting to take shape. It hired former Oakland Raiders defensive coordinator Jason Tarver to coach the linebackers earlier in the week.
At the very least, Tomsula is surrounding himself with a ton of experienced guys.
Photo: SF Gate