After his playing days with the Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots, and Kansas City Chiefs, Vrabel went on to coach the linebackers at Ohio State in 2011. In 2012, he started coaching the defensive line. Then in 2014, he became the linebackers coach for the Texans.
Eric Mangini held the job on Jim Tomsula's staff last season. He, along with Vrabel, was even interviewed for the position on Chip Kelly's staff. In 2015, the 49ers defense finished 18th in points allowed, 29th in total yards allowed, 27th in passing yards allowed, and 29th in rushing yards allowed.
Monday saw the exile of much of Tomsula's staff. However, Kelly confirmed today that running backs coach Tom Rathman would remain with the team.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Jerry Rice talks 49ers: Mike Evans addition, De'Zhaun Stribling, 2026 expectations
The San Francisco 49ers enter the 2026 season with championship aspirations, believing they have a roster capable of competing for a Super Bowl. Although the team finished third in the NFC West last season, it still earned a playoff berth despite injuries that ravaged the... -
Robert Saleh names 49ers' biggest rookie surprise from last season
The San Francisco 49ers invested heavily in their defense during the 2025 NFL Draft, using six of their 11 selections on defensive players, including each of their first five picks. One rookie, however, stood out more than the rest to former 49ers defensive coordinator Robert... -
49ers QB Brock Purdy lands surprising spot in 2026 fantasy football rankings
Where does San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy rank among the NFL's top fantasy football quarterbacks entering the 2026 season? NFL Media's Dan Parr released his fantasy football quarterback rankings for NFL.com, organizing the league's top signal-callers into draft... -
49ers' Brock Purdy left out of ESPN's top-10 quarterback rankings
The debate over where San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy ranks among the NFL's elite continues. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler continued his annual NFL position rankings this week, unveiling his list of the league's top quarterbacks. The rankings are based on feedback from NFL...