Golden Nuggets: Who Is DC?

The 49ers hired Chip Kelly as their head coach last week. He takes over a team that was last in about every offensive category. Chip should be able to correct that part of their game. He is known as an offensive minded head coach and that is something that the 49ers were seriously lacking last season. Up next for the team and Chip is the decision about who will be their defensive coordinator.

Eric Mangini is currently the team's defensive coordinator. The defense did well last season at home, but on the road it was a different story. Mangini did enough to give himself a chance at retaining his current position. It was reported that Chip chatted with Eric last week. As a defensive coordinator for Chip, the coach needs to know that his unit will be out on the field for a long time. Chip's offense is based on pace, so regardless if they score or don't, the offense is not out on the field for long periods of time. The defense will need to have depth and be in great condition to be able to sub in and out to stay fresh.

Chip has already started targeting his former assistants from the Eagles. His former quarterback coach Ryan Day, wide receiver coach Bob Bicknell, and defensive line coach Jerry Azzinaro are on their way to the West Coast, according to reports. But the defensive coordinator will be the most important hire for Chip. With the offense of the opposition averaging about 8 more minutes of possession versus Chip's Eagles offense, the defense will need to be ready to play long periods of time.

49ers Links

He's about average | Trent Baalke's Grades (BASG)

Chip will probably look at all his options including the draft | Is Kap 1st Choice As QB? (Gutierrez)

Possible 2016 Starting Lineup (Cohn)

Prototypical Players For Chip (Inman)

Haven't seen enough, but I've heard he could be good | Paxton Lynch A Possibility? (Brugler)

That's the #1 question with this hire | Chip: A Changed Man? (Barrows)

He did well. His more complex defense takes longer to master | Strong Possibilty That Mangini Is DC (Alper)

Staff Taking Shape (Mercury News Staff)

Staff Overhaul (Branch)

Chance Mangini Stays (Branch)

What SB Hero Bunz Is Doing Now? (Brown)