The San Francisco 49ers may be on the hunt for a new quarterbacks coach this offseason.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the New York Jets have requested an interview with 49ers quarterbacks coach Brian Griese for their head coach opening. The 49ers would not be able to block the interview if Griese chooses to accept it.
Griese has become an important part of the 49ers’ coaching staff after overseeing the development of quarterback Brock Purdy. He joined the staff in 2022 after spending time as a Monday Night Football analyst.
His presence was particularly crucial that year since he was brought in to help develop former No. 3 overall draft pick Trey Lance. Lance got hurt in Week 2 that year, and the 49ers had to turn to veteran Jimmy Garoppolo. Garoppolo then went down for the year in Week 13, opening the door for Purdy who had been working with Griese. Purdy, the final pick in the 2022 draft, thrived right away and helped carry the 49ers to the NFC championship game that year.
It was an impressive feat for Griese who had no previous coaching experience.
Losing the QB coach would be rough for San Francisco, particularly since Purdy struggled some in his second full season as a starter. However, the potential to lose additional assistants to Griese’s staff would cause another offseason of trying to replace members of what has pretty consistently been a good coaching staff.
The Jets may not be the only team reaching out to Griese. The Chicago Bears, New England Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars also fired their head coaches.. It wouldn’t be a huge surprise if they’re also interested in trying to land him to fill their vacancies.
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