In addition to Norton Jr.'s hiring, Johnny Holland will become the 49ers' run game specialist/outside linebackers coach while Michael Clay will become an assistant special teams coach.
"Ken brings a great deal of knowledge and experience to our team having spent more than two decades as an NFL player and coach," Shanahan said via a press release. "Throughout his coaching career, Ken has developed a tremendous understanding of our defensive system, making him a perfect fit for our staff. With four Super Bowl titles on his resume, including one as a 49er, Ken knows firsthand what it takes to become a championship caliber team."
Norton Jr. joins the 49ers after serving two and a half seasons as the defensive coordinator for the Oakland Raiders. He was fired on November 21.
Before joining the Raiders, Norton Jr. spent five years (2010-14) as the linebackers coach for the Seattle Seahawks. He also served several roles on the coaching staff at USC from 2004 until 2009.
Of course, most of the Niner Faithful know Norton Jr. from his 13 seasons spent as an NFL linebacker, including his time (1994-2000) with the 49ers. Before joining San Francisco as a free agent, Norton Jr. played for the Dallas Cowboys, who drafted him in the second round out of UCLA in 1988.
During his career, Norton Jr. appeared in 191 games (188 starts) and registered 1,274 tackles, 12.5 sacks, 13 fumble recoveries, six forced fumbles, five interceptions, and 49 passes defensed. He won three Super Bowls (XXVII, XXVIII, XXIX) as a player during his time with Dallas and San Francisco, is a three-time Pro Bowler (1993, 1995, 1997), and a first-team All-Pro (1995).
Norton won a fourth Super Bowl (XLVIII) while part of the Seahawks' coaching staff.
As for the two other coaching moves, Holland served as the 49ers' linebackers coach in 2017, while Clay was one of the team's assistant strength and conditioning coaches.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers announce key front office promotions and hires
The San Francisco 49ers officially announced that Nathan Biehl, Grant Bordelon, Ryan Carter, Brad Clark, Casey Filkins, Jordan Fox, Michael Gonzalez, Austin Moss II, and Jeff Weidemeyer have been promoted to new roles within the organization. The team has also officially... -
49ers make several roster moves during OTAs, add two running backs
According to the NFL transaction wire, the San Francisco 49ers made several roster moves on Thursday as organized team activities (OTAs) continued. Signed RB Jordan Mims RB Jermar Jefferson Waived RB Sincere McCormick Placed on injured reserve DB Darrick Forrest The... -
Why 49ers coach quickly fell in love with rookie LB Jaden Dugger
The San Francisco 49ers selected linebacker Jaden Dugger out of Louisiana in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. During the pre-draft process, Dugger stood out as a prospect with the athleticism, instincts, and upside to develop into an impact defender at the NFL level. One... -
49ers coach reveals potential breakout linebacker heading into 2026 season
Every morning, San Francisco 49ers linebackers Jalen Graham and Tatum Bethune make a point of stopping by K.J. Wright's office to ensure they are aligned with their position coach. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Wright identified one of the young linebackers as a potential...