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The 49ers have reportedly hired Wes Welker to their coaching staff, according to the Houston Chronicle’s John McClain.
Sorry to see Wes Welker leave the Texans but he’ll do well with Niners.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) February 5, 2019
The Athletic’s Matt Barrows reported Welker will be San Francisco’s receivers coach.
League source confirms what @McClain_on_NFL wrote earlier: #49ers will be hiring Wes Welker to be their next WRs coach. Don't know if it's official yet.
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) February 5, 2019
Last year, Mike LaFleur served as the 49ers’ passing game coordinator and receivers coach, meaning Welker will take over the latter part of LaFleur’s role. The 49ers have not yet confirmed the news.
Welker reportedly interviewed with the 49ers last Monday, 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.” Breer also reported Welker interviewed with the Green Bay Packers.
Welker has spent the past two seasons as the Houston Texans offensive and special teams assistant coach. Welker, a five-time Pro Bowler, is the Patriots’ third all-time leading receiver. He was the first uber-productive slot receiver in the pass-happy offenses that have permeated the league throughout the past decade.
In the offseason’s opening five weeks, the 49ers have made consistent change among their coaching staff, a result of firings and other teams plucking 49ers assistants.
#49ers coaching staff changes:
QBs: Rich Scangarello -> Shane Day (reported)
Receivers: Added Wes Welker (reported)
D-line: Jeff Zgonina -> Kris Kocurek
DBs: Jeff Hafley -> Joe Woods
Assistant O-line: Lost Adam Stenavich
Training staff: Fired Ray Wright, Jeff Ferguson https://t.co/IM9K3hZJTH— Brad Almquist (@bradalmquist13) February 5, 2019
The team still has two positions to fill: assistant offensive line coach (if they wish to replace Stenavich) and the “head coach of training,” as general manager has John Lynch labeled it. Last month, the 49ers fired the top two members of their training staff, strength and conditioning coach Ray Wright and trainer Jeff Ferguson. The team plans to appoint one person who oversees the entire department in the near future.