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49ers defensive backs coach Jeff Hafley will join Ohio State as the program’s co-defensive coordinator, the school announced Monday. Hafley will share defensive coordinator duties with former Michigan defensive line coach Greg Mattison.
Throughout recent years, Ohio State has developed a reputation for developing blue-chip defensive backs. In the past two NFL drafts alone, Ohio State had four defensive backs selected in the first round.
“Jeff is a rising star and highly regarded as one of the best secondary coaches in the country,” newly appointed Ohio State coach Ryan Day said in a statement. “His NFL knowledge coaching the secondary is only going to enhance and improve what has become a marquee area for the Buckeyes.”
Hafley was one of the lone holdovers among the 49ers coaching staff from the Chip Kelly regime. In his three years coaching the 49ers defensive backs, Hafley’s units finished 14th, 22nd, and 11th in pass defense. Hafley first coached with Kyle Shanahan in 2014 with the Cleveland Browns.
In a matter of four days, the 49ers have lost two members of their coaching staff. Last Friday, they fired strength and conditioning coach Ray Wright.