The San Francisco 49ers have officially promoted run-game coordinator Mike McDaniel to offensive coordinator, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
49ers officially promoted their run-game coordinator Mike McDaniel to offensive coordinator, per source. He replaces Mike LaFleur, who left to become the Jets' offensive coordinator.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 18, 2021
The move comes after head coach Kyle Shanahan lost passing-game coordinator Mike LaFleur, who left to join Robert Saleh's staff with the New York Jets. McDaniel was also expected to be a hot name this offseason for offensive coordinator positions, so the promotion keeps him with Shanahan.
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The 49ers coach is likely to retain play-calling duties, with McDaniel taking on more responsibilities in game-planning and on game days.
McDaniel, 37, started his coaching career as an intern with the Denver Broncos. He served various coaching roles with the Houston Texans, Washington, Cleveland Browns, and Atlanta Falcons before joining the 49ers with Shanahan in 2017.
49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk reacted to the promotion.
Absolute BEST in the game!! Nobody gets more out of his players than McDaniel! Most creative run scheme out there! So deserving of this promotion!! https://t.co/62uQpn8Dmj
— Kyle Juszczyk (@JuiceCheck44) January 18, 2021
Update: Mike Silver of NFL Media is reporting that Saleh has snagged another assistant from Shanahan's staff. The Jets are adding offensive line coach John Benton to be New York's offensive line coach and run-game coordinator.
New Jets coach Robert Saleh is taking two Niners offensive assistants: passing game coordinator Mike LaFleur (as OC) and OL coach John Benton (as OL coach/run game coordinator)...
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) January 18, 2021
Meanwhile, the 49ers are promoting assistant offensive line coach Chris Foerster will replace Benton and Rich Scangarello is re-joining the team to serve as its quarterbacks coach.
Meanwhile, Niners run game coordinator Mike McDaniel has been offered the OC position by HC Kyle Shanahan and will likely accept. Chris Foerster will replace Benton as OL coach. Rich Scangarello comes back as QB coach.
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) January 18, 2021