Fangio served as the 49ers' defensive coordinator from 2011-14 before serving in the same role with the Chicago Bears (2015-18) and then the Denver Broncos head coach (2019-21). San Francisco looked to bring Fangio back when Kyle Shanahan became the head coach in 2017, but Fangio couldn't get out of his contract with the Bears.
Fangio is back in Santa Clara—for today, at least. The 63-year-old coach was on hand to observe the start of the 49ers' three-day rookie minicamp. Maybe he will have a future—in some role—in Santa Clara after all, whenever he decides to return to the game.
It looked like the 49ers might have to search for a new defensive coordinator for the second year in a row after teams expressed interest in DeMeco Ryans, who replaced Robert Saleh in 2021. The Minnesota Vikings interviewed Ryans, and it was reported that the Las Vegas Raiders might be interested too. However, Ryans opted to decline a second interview with the Vikings and remain with the 49ers.
"I'm proud of him for doing it," Shanahan said on February 1 when asked about Ryans declining the second interview. "Minnesota's a great place, but DeMeco is a stud. DeMeco is going to be a head coach. He's too good not to be, whether it's this year, whether it's next year, whether it's anytime, but DeMeco's going to be a head coach. ... But he's only going to get stronger every year that he coaches, regardless of what he's coaching.
"But it was cool that he had the confidence to make that decision. Whatever he thought was best for him and his family. And I know we're very gratefully he did because it makes the Niners better, and I think it's going to make him continue to get better also."
Second-year quarterback Trey Lance also stopped by the practice session to get a look at the 49ers' latest group of rookies.
Most expect Lance to be the 49ers' starting quarterback in 2022 after serving as Jimmy Garoppolo's backup in 2021 and playing just 178 snaps during his rookie campaign.
San Francisco's rookie minicamp ends on Sunday.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers place rookie DT Gracen Halton on injured reserve
The San Francisco 49ers have placed rookie defensive tackle Gracen Halton on injured reserve. Halton suffered a dislocated and fractured ankle during the 49ers' Week 9 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, ending his rookie season. Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that the... -
Report: 49ers rookie DT Gracen Halton undergoes surgery, expected back for OTAs
San Francisco 49ers rookie defensive tackle Gracen Halton underwent surgery to repair the broken leg and dislocated ankle he suffered last weekend, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Despite the significant injury, Halton is expected to be back in time for the team's organized... -
49ers Notebook: Purdy burns Raiders with his legs; Halton injury hits teammates hard; Do the 49ers have a Super Bowl defense?
The latest version of the 49ers-Raiders rivalry was a memorable one, with a large number of twists, turns and unpredictable moments en route to a 38-17 49ers win at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara. The teams don't play in the regular season often and didn't meet in the preseason... -
49ers' John Lynch addresses Mac Jones trade speculation
The November 10 NFL trade deadline is fast approaching, and with several quarterback injuries around the league, speculation is growing about the future of San Francisco 49ers backup quarterback Mac Jones. The 49ers have an intriguing bargaining chip in Jones, but...