ESPN's Dianna Marie Russini is reporting that the 49ers have offered Mike Vrabel, who is currently the linebackers coach for the Houston Texans, the defensive coordinator job in San Francisco. The team is awaiting an answer.
49ers have offered Mike Vrabel the DC job. 49ers waiting to hear his answer per sources #49ers
— Dianna Marie Russini (@diannaESPN) January 20, 2016
After his playing days with the Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots, and Kansas City Chiefs, Vrabel went on to coach the linebackers at Ohio State in 2011. In 2012, he started coaching the defensive line. Then in 2014, he became the linebackers coach for the Texans.
Eric Mangini held the job on Jim Tomsula's staff last season. He, along with Vrabel, was even interviewed for the position on Chip Kelly's staff. In 2015, the 49ers defense finished 18th in points allowed, 29th in total yards allowed, 27th in passing yards allowed, and 29th in rushing yards allowed.
Monday saw the exile of much of Tomsula's staff. However, Kelly confirmed today that running backs coach Tom Rathman would remain with the team.
If Vrabel accepts the DC job, would Mangini stay as DB coach? Mangini was Vrabel's DC for the 2005 season in NE. Interesting dynamic. #49wz
— Aaron Erickson (@EricksonAaron44) January 20, 2016