Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports


Illinois wants 49ers LB coach Hardy Nickerson for defensive coordinator

Mar 8, 2016 at 10:24 AM--


It sounds like new University of Illinois head coach Lovie Smith is targeting San Francisco 49ers inside linebackers coach Hardy Nickerson for the defensive coordinator at his program, per FootballScoop.com.

Nickerson was on Smith's staff with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers over the past two seasons. He was not retained when the Buccaneers fired Smith and promoted offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter as their new head coach. Nickerson was just hired to the 49ers' staff in January, just five days after interviewing with the team.

As a player, Nickerson was a five-time Pro Bowl player after being selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fifth round of the 1987 NFL Draft out of Cal.

The 49ers would still have outside linebackers coach Jason Tarver on staff if Nickerson were to depart to join his former boss.



LISTEN

Facebook Comments



More San Francisco 49ers News



49ers OL coach Chris Foerster on RT Colton McKivitz: "The job is his coming into it"

By Rohan Chakravarthi
Jun 1

The San Francisco 49ers had a significant change this offseason, letting go of several key starters, such as Mike McGlinchey and Jimmie Ward, who earned lucrative multi-year deals elsewhere. That left the 49ers with a void at the right tackle position, where the team didn't add any significant talent in free agency or the NFL Draft, meaning that Colton McKivitz is the odds-on favorite to be the starter at the position. Speaking to the media for the first time this offseason, offensive line coach Chris Foerster praised the swing tackle, pointing out his value in spot duty and that it's McKivitz's job to lose, which should help build his confidence in a crucial year. "Colton, he's done a great job for us through the years he's been here,"



What 49ers coach Brian Griese said about Brock Purdy, Trey Lance, and Sam Darnold

By David Bonilla
Jun 1

After last season, Brian Griese took some time to reflect on his first season as a quarterbacks coach for the San Francisco 49ers. He left a 13-season career as a television analyst to join head coach Kyle Shanahan's staff. Ultimately, the coach decided that the job was fulfilling and opted to return for another season. "This is an opportunity for me to embrace a new challenge in my life at this point in the journey, and I really appreciate that," Griese told reporters on Thursday. "I appreciate the opportunity. I think there are some experiences and unique skill sets that I have that can help, and I just love being a part of a team and competing and winning and



What 49ers coach Kris Kocurek said about Drake Jackson, Javon Hargrave, Javon Kinlaw

By David Bonilla
Jun 2

Drake Jackson looks better prepared for his sophomore NFL season, both physically and mentally. The San Francisco 49ers defensive end spoke with reporters this week, and reports of his added bulk were visually confirmed. He estimates he has gained about 13 pounds since last season, and the work continues. His defensive line coach, Kris Kocurek, believes the added weight and better preparation will help Jackson last through the rigors of an NFL season. The coach has seen "significant strength gain" in his young defender. Jackson was inactive for six of the 49ers' final eight games last season, including each of the team's three playoff contests. Being forced to watch from



Arik Armstead: 49ers can repeat as NFC West champs; Trey Lance has a bright future

By David Bonilla
May 25

San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Arik Armstead joined NFL Network's Good Morning Football on Thursday to discuss the state of the team at the start of organized team activities (OTAs). Armstead is part of a defensive line that includes NFL Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa and added former Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Javon Hargrave. The question that had to be asked: Does San Francisco own the best defensive line in football? "Well, on paper, I guess you could say that, but 'on paper' doesn't win any game," Armstead responded. "But we're excited about getting together and starting that journey of


Featured

Trending News

Share 49ersWebzone