© Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
The early offseason period has featured consistent turnover among the 49ers coaching staff. The team still has some positions to address, including assistant offensive line coach and the “head coach of training,” as general manager John Lynch calls it, after the team fired the top two members of its training staff.
But the 49ers may have a unique role for a former NFL standout: Wes Welker.
Welker reportedly interviewed with the 49ers Monday for an unspecified role, according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. From Breer: “The Niners are restructuring a bit after the departure of passing-game coordinator Rich Scangarello to Denver.” Welker also reportedly interviewed with the Green Bay Packers last week.
Welker has spent the past two seasons as the Houston Texans offensive and special teams assistant coach. Last year, the Texans denied the Broncos permission to interview Welker for their receivers coach position. Welker, a five-time Pro Bowler, is the Patriots’ third all-time leading receiver. He was the first uber-productive slot receiver in the new-look, pass-happy offenses that have permeated the league in recent years.
If the 49ers hire Welker, he would likely join the offensive staff that already employs Mike LaFleur as their passing game coordinator and receivers coach. Welker could become the receivers coach to lessen the workload on LaFleur. Mike McDaniel is the team’s run-game coordinator. NBC Sports Bay Area reported earlier this week that the team plans to hire Shane Day as its quarterbacks coach, replacing Scangarello.
In the opening month of free agency, the 49ers have made consistent change among their coaching staff, a result of firings and other teams plucking 49ers assistants.
Turnover on the #49ers coaching staff this offseason:
QB coach: Rich Scangarello -> Shane Day
D-line coach: Jeff Zgonina -> Kris Kocurek
DBs coach: Jeff Hafley -> Joe Woods
Assistant O-line coach: Adam Stenavich
Training staff: Ray Wright, Jeff Ferguson— Brad Almquist (@bradalmquist13) January 28, 2019