The San Francisco 49ers have become synonymous with success under head coach Kyle Shanahan, achieving a remarkable record of 54-29 from 2019 to 2023, winning the NFC West three times, and reaching four NFC Championship games as well as two Super Bowls. Despite falling short in the postseason, the team managed to secure eight playoff victories during this span.
However, the 2024 season proved disappointing for the 49ers, finishing with a 6-11 record—marking their second-worst season under Shanahan, following the 4-12 finish in 2018. The team struggled with disjointed play, inconsistency, and a plethora of injuries. It became evident that changes were necessary, prompting Shanahan to make adjustments early in the offseason.
Former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh has returned to San Francisco to resume the role of defensive coordinator, a position he held from 2017 to 2020. Recently, the offensive coaching staff also saw significant changes: longtime offensive assistant Klay Kubiak was promoted to offensive coordinator, while quarterbacks coach Brian Griese was replaced by Mick Lombardi.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero broke the news on these coaching updates:
The #49ers are officially promoting Klay Kubiak to offensive coordinator, and that’s not the only staff change: Mick Lombardi will replace Brian Griese as quarterbacks coach. pic.twitter.com/A2A7qLhROR
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 25, 2025
Kubiak, who is entering his fifth season with the 49ers and is the son of longtime NFL head coach Gary Kubiak, has served in various roles, including defensive quality control coach, assistant quarterbacks coach, and passing game specialist. Notably, his brother Klint is currently the offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks, a prominent rival of the 49ers. Griese, who has been coaching quarterbacks since 2022, is reportedly stepping away from the coaching realm according to ESPN.
Lombardi, the son of NFL executive Michael Lombardi, previously worked with the 49ers from 2013-2016 before moving to teams like the New York Jets, New England Patriots, and Las Vegas Raiders. He rejoined the 49ers in 2024 as a senior offensive assistant.
