Niners’ New Special Teams Coach Faces Challenges
As Thomas McGaughey Jr. begins work on his new job as 49ers special teams coordinator, he faces two very specific challenges: improve the 49ers' punt- and kick-return units.In 2014, the 49ers ranked 29th in the league in punt returns, averaging just 6.5 yards. The kickoff-return unit was better, ranking ninth at 24.5 yards, but also didn't score a touchdown.Rookie Bruce Ellington showed flashes of potential as a returner of both punts and kickoffs, averaging 8.2 yards on punt returns with a long of 23, and 25.6 on kickoffs with a long of 38, but the team went through several players at both positions, including Perrish Cox, Chris Cook, Carlos Hyde and Trindon Holliday.And, the 49ers didn't rank among the NFL's best in overall special teams performance. Despite the presence of Brad Seely – one of the league's best special teams coaches, who now is across the bay in Oakland – the Niners slipped badly in 2014. The 49ers ranked 23rd overall in special teams effectiveness, based on the annual survey compiled by Rick Gosselin of the Dallas Morning News.Now the special teams will be under the direction of McGaughey, who was special teams coordinator of the New York Jets last...
The above link leads to an external page. 49ers Webzone has no control over its contents.
Facebook Comments
More San Francisco 49ers News
Rapoport: 49ers send clear message to teams inquiring about Brandon Aiyuk
By David Bonilla
Apr 16
Ian Rapoport didn't offer much of an update on the ongoing contract negotiations between the San Francisco 49ers and their standout wide receiver, Brandon Aiyuk. However, the NFL insider emphasized one thing: The team is not entertaining trade discussions at this juncture.
Reacting to Aiyuk's decision to unfollow the 49ers on Instagram, Rapoport couldn't help but chuckle at the latest development. This practice has become commonplace among players who are unhappy with their contract situations. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel similarly took this action in 2022 before requesting to be traded just before the draft.
Things have yet to escalate that far with Aiyuk, but Rapoport sees his
John Lynch on new draft dynamic, 49ers' chances of trading from No. 31
By David Bonilla
11 hrs
As customary, NFL teams engage in preliminary discussions about potential draft trades during owner meetings. The San Francisco 49ers currently hold the No. 31 spot in the first round but appear receptive to moving either up or down. The 2024 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday night.
General manager John Lynch addressed reporters on Monday and acknowledged the wide range of possibilities. However, he noted that any potential discussions about trading spots with other teams will likely intensify later in the week.
"It's going to be an interesting year," Lynch stated. "I think it's an interesting draft class. I was just looking at my notes and one interesting thing to me, dynamic, and the way of the world right now, we put a grade on players in the fall if we think
49ers add pass rusher in new 7-round mock draft
By David Bonilla
Apr 15
Marcus Mosher of The 33rd Team revealed his latest mock draft, which goes seven rounds deep and projects every selection for every NFL team. While most predict that the San Francisco 49ers will add an offensive lineman with their first selection, No. 31 overall, Mosher has the Bay Area team going in a different direction.
The writer and analyst has the Niners selecting former UCLA pass rusher Laiatu Latu in the first round.
"It wouldn't be a shock to see Laiatu Latu fall in the draft due to his medical history, but he is too good of a value to pass up here at No. 31," Mosher wrote. "The San Francisco 49ers have been searching for the right pass
49ers sign WR Trent Taylor, reuniting with former draft pick
By David Bonilla
Apr 16
The San Francisco 49ers announced the signing of wide receiver Trent Taylor to a one-year deal, reuniting with the team's former fifth-round draft pick out of Louisiana Tech.
Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area was the first to report that the 49ers were discussing a potential reunion with Taylor. The receiver was part of head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch's first draft class in 2017 and spent his first four NFL seasons with the team.
The #49ers are talking with free-agent slot receiver/return man