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The folks at 49ers.com are putting together a series of videos this offseason in which they go one-on-one with the new coaching staff. They recently released an interview with defensive coordinator Eric Mangini, which you can watch HERE.
We're not going to get a whole lot out of these videos, but there are some interesting comments here and there. The coaches are not talking scheme or anything that specific, but we get at least a little insight for now. The highlight of Mangini's might be at the end when he is talking about two TV appearances. We know about the Sopranos appearance, but he also did a segment on Sesame Street with Chad Pennington and Laveranues Coles. The video is amusing to see given how old it is now.
Mangini also discussed the new coaching staff, and he brought up a point we discussed here back in January. The defensive coaching features three different former coordinators, along with Mangini. Senior defensive assistant and linebackers coach Jason Tarver, linebackers coach Clancy Pendergast and defensive backs coach Tim Lewis all served as a defensive coordinator at some point in their career.
All that experience does not mean they will find success with the 49ers, but there is something to be said for experience. Particularly with the unit looking at a decent amount of turnover. Even without Justin Smith's decision, the team is looking at changes at both cornerback spots, inside linebacker, and Ray McDonald's defensive tackle role. Add in the numerous injury issues the team has had at nose tackle, and this is a unit that will see plenty of changes in 2015.
Having extensive experience on the defensive coaching staff will hopefully be a strength, and not a matter of too many cooks in the kitchen. The key will be for Mangini to be a steady presence at the top. He has the most experience with the team and with Jim Tomsula. We won't be able to really get a full handle on the dynamics in play, but it will be something to at least try and follow in 2015.