If you want to listen to a fantastic and fun interview with San Francisco 49ers veteran tackle Joe Staley — with rookie Mike McGlinchey jumping into the conversation every now and then because he follows Staley everywhere — check out this week's episode of the "Pardon My Take" podcast. The interview lasts a good 40 minutes, and Staley goes head coach by head coach through his 11 seasons in the NFL.
Staley has had six head coaches — from Mike Nolan to Kyle Shanahan — since being drafted by the 49ers in 2007. He has fascinating stories about each like Nolan wearing his suits on the sidelines, Mike Singletary pulling his pants down in front of the team, Jim Harbaugh's delayed laughs in the lunchroom, and Jim Tomsula's infamous fart press conference.
Staley also shares that the 2016 season under Chip Kelly was the worst of his career.
"That year of my life was the worst time I've ever had playing football," Staley said. "I kind of forgot about it. I don't have any good anecdotes with Chip Kelly. It was just kind of one and done."
Staley knew during that offseason that things were not going to go well.
"The year we were with Chip Kelly, I felt that was going to be a bad year that year," Staley continued. "Just in training camp, I was like, 'This is going to be a struggle this season.' I didn't think it was going to be 2-14. I kind of hoped, and wished, and willed it to be a little bit better than that."
Now Staley has Shanahan as his head coach, and he is excited about the upcoming season.
"I think we're going to be really good this year," Staley said. "I feel confident with the team, the direction we're going. The coaching staff is amazing. This is the best I've felt in 12 years as far as going into the season."
Click here to listen to the entire conversation with Staley (McGlinchey is in the room too but not allowed to speak as much), which starts at about the 35-minute mark.
H/t to Kirk Larrabee of 24/7 Sports for the find.
