placeholder image

Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports


49ers release LB Brock Coyle, who plans to retire from the NFL

Chris Wilson
Mar 14, 2019 at 4:53 PM--


Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.
In the same official press release, the San Francisco 49ers announced the signing of inside linebacker and special-teamer David Mayo, as well as the release of inside linebacker and special-teamer Brock Coyle.

Soon after the 49ers' official announcement, Coyle took to social media to thank the 49ers organization for re-signing him last offseason, and to explain that the neck injury he sustained in Week 1 of the 2018 regular season will force the veteran to leave the game:


San Francisco's front office was likely aware of Coyle's plans for the future. The team has stockpiled inside linebackers in recent months, culminating in Mayo's signing earlier today, which would have forced Coyle into an uphill battle for a roster spot despite the three-year, $8.5 million contract he received from the 49ers last offseason.

Although the career special-teamer had a reputation as a hard worker, Coyle became a polarizing figure for San Francisco soon after the 49ers signed him away from the Seattle Seahawks in 2017. A favorite of the coaching staff, Coyle's increased playing time in key situations forced star linebacker NaVorro Bowman first to the 49ers' bench and then to the Oakland Raiders' roster, despite the harsh cap implications of his release.

Despite playing in two new defensive systems in 2017, Bowman graded higher than Coyle in each of Pro Football Focus' five defensive grade categories, while PFF ranked Coyle as one of the NFL's worst inside linebackers. Still, Coyle was given an impressive contract offer after the conclusion of the season; unfortunately, he was able to play just a portion of one game under his new deal.

Coyle played the game of football with fire, and gave his all whenever he set foot on the field. The linebacker was a leader in the locker room and on the field of play, and will be missed by his teammates and the 49ers' organization.

Here's what the team's official press release had to say about the San Francisco 49ers' former starting inside linebacker:

"Brock contributed greatly to the culture we have been building over the last two years, and we are very thankful to have benefitted from his presence," said 49ers General Manager John Lynch. "Through his play, his character and his professionalism, he set a wonderful example of what this organization looks for in a 49er. We expect great things from Brock in whatever he chooses to do in life and wish him continued success."

Coyle (6-1, 245) appeared in 17 games (11 starts) over the past two seasons with the team after originally signing as a free agent on March 10, 2017. He registered 68 tackles, one pass defensed, one forced fumble and 0.5 sack to go along with two tackles on special teams.



Facebook Comments



More San Francisco 49ers News


placeholder image

No Huddle Podcast: What Are The 49ers' Plans For The Future?

By Site Staff
Mar 19

(Episode 322) — Al Sacco and Brian Renick react to the Zach Wilson rumors, what the 49ers should look for in QB2, negative Al speaks up, how the offensive side of the ball is complete for now, replacing all of the superstars will be a challenge, why the 49ers need to draft well this year and next, and more. Note: This episode was recorded before news of Josh Dobbs' signing. The audio for the show is embedded above. Remember to subscribe! You can listen to the latest "No Huddle Podcast" episode above, from our dedicated podcast page, on


placeholder image

49ers: Newlyweds Brock and Jenna Purdy share photos from honeymoon

By David Bonilla
Mar 21

Earlier this month, Brock Purdy tied the knot with his fiancée, now Jenna Purdy, in Des Moines, Iowa. The San Francisco 49ers quarterback's lovely wife recently shared photos from the couple's honeymoon in the Turks and Caicos Islands. "Honeymoon w/ my husband," Jenna captioned on Instagram as part of a series of photos shared this


placeholder image

Andy Reid praises 49ers' Brock Purdy, has advice for Kyle Shanahan

By David Bonilla
Mar 25

Super Bowl-winning head coach Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs witnessed all he needed from Brock Purdy last season to assure him that the San Francisco 49ers are in capable hands at the quarterback position. Purdy was an MVP nominee in 2023 and had his 49ers just a play or two away from clinching a Super Bowl victory away from the Chiefs. Unfortunately, for Purdy and the 49ers, Reid and his own quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, widely regarded as the best in the game today, dashed their Super Bowl dreams in overtime last month. According to NBC Sports Bay Area, speaking at the NFL owners meetings on Monday, Reid stated, "Yeah, I


placeholder image

Kyle Shanahan: 49ers hope to keep Brandon Aiyuk, Brock Purdy together

By David Bonilla
Mar 26

Last week, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan ran into his wide receiver, Brandon Aiyuk, while on vacation in Cabo San Lucas. "He was randomly at our hotel. I don't think he wanted to be," the coach shared on Tuesday while speaking to reporters at the NFL owners meetings. The 49ers are currently negotiating a long-term extension with Aiyuk to ensure he remains with the team for the foreseeable future. However, with it only being March, it's challenging to predict how everything will unfold. Typically, under the leadership of Shanahan and general manager John Lynch, the 49ers have reached agreements with their star players closer to training camp in July. Lynch stated yesterday that the


Latest

Trending News

Share 49ersWebzone