49ers to hire Aubrayo Franklin as defensive assistant

The San Francisco 49ers are expected to add former defensive tackle Aubrayo Franklin to the coaching staff, according to Matt Barrows. Franklin will be a defensive assistant, and Barrows said the role is more an apprenticeship, rather than defensive line coach. It sounds like he will effectively be assistant defensive line coach.

Franklin played for the 49ers from 2007 to 2010, spending the 2010 season signed under the franchise tag. He was a strong force in the middle for the 49ers during his time, but it became apparent soon after how much he benefited from Jim Tomsula and the 49ers defense. Franklin departed as a free agent in 2011, and after spending one season each in New Orleans, San Diego and Indianapolis, he retired following the 2013 season.

The 49ers still need to find a defensive line coach to replace Tomsula's work in that position. I would not be surprised to see Tomsula still get some work in with his defensive line, but he will be just a little bit busy with other duties much of the time. It appears this will be Franklin's first job as a coach.