According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, the San Francisco 49ers are hiring former New York Giants defensive coordinator James Bettcher to DeMeco Ryans' defensive staff. His title with the team isn't yet known, but the NFL insider states that it will be a "senior defensive role."
The #49ers are hiring former #Giants DC James Bettcher in a senior defensive role, source said. He'll provide veteran assistance for new coordinator DeMeco Ryans, as well as simply bolster the staff with the loss of Robert Saleh.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 23, 2021
Bettcher, 42, served as the Giants' defensive coordinator for two years from 2018-19, and the Arizona Cardinals' defensive coordinator for three years from 2015-17. He held various defensive coaching roles before that with the Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts, and several collegiate programs.
Bettcher was not part of a team in 2020.
It was reported on Thursday that the 49ers were speaking with former NFL defensive lineman Darryl Tapp about possibly joining Ryans' staff as an assistant defensive line coach. Ryans is trying to finalize his staff after being promoted to defensive coordinator, replacing Robert Saleh, and seeing multiple 49ers assistants leave to join Saleh with the New York Jets.