Jason Tarver to join Jim Tomsula, 49ers coaching staff

The San Francisco 49ers coaching staff is quickly changing, and we have the first new name getting close to official. Radio guy and former scout John Middlekauff is reporting Oakland Raiders defensive coordinator Jason Tarver is joining the 49ers. Middlekauff said Tarver's role is currently undefined, but multiple reports on Wednesday suggested Tarver will be the defensive coordinator.

The 49ers decision to elevate their defensive line coach to head coach opens the door to what role a defensive coordinator will have. Will Tomsula be the primary developer of the team's scheme, or would Tarver get any sort of free reign if he ends up as the defensive coordinator? We have already heard that the team expects to switch over to a 4-3 base defense. The team played a lot in nickel last year, and given the passing nature of the NFL, they likely will continue to play a fair amount of it.

Tarver joins the team coming off three seasons as the Raiders defensive coordinator. Prior to that he was David Shaw's defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Stanford in 2011. The previous six years he was the 49ers outside linebackers coach. Before that he was an offensive assistant and assistant running backs coach with the 49ers.

I'm working to get more information, but I've heard good things from Raiders fans. The Raiders have been far from great, but there have been plenty of issues with their talent level. The 49ers have question marks heading into 2015, but there is some serious talent on this squad. I am curious to see what Tarver and Tomsula decide to do with this group.