The San Francisco 49ers are making a big change in hopes of addressing their injury woes. A week after firing strength and conditioning coach Ray Wright, the 49ers have fired head athletic trainer Jeff Ferguson. It’s kind of fitting this news dropped the same day I posted a look at all the players the 49ers placed on IR this season.
John Lynch issued a statement on the news, via Eric Branch:
“Following a thorough evaluation, we have determined that now is the right time for a reboot in the structure and protocols of our health and performance areas,” general manager John Lynch said. “On behalf of our entire team, Kyle and I would like to thank Ferg and Ray for the dedication and passion they brought to the 49ers organization. We would like to specifically recognize the contributions Ferg has made to the 49ers over the last 13 years, as he was always ready to extend a caring hand to our players, staff and their families. Both he and Ray are tremendous people whom we respect deeply.”
Any firings are notable, but getting rid of Ferguson after 13 years is a statement on the problems the team has had with injuries these past two years. Plenty of the injuries were flukes, but when the injuries pile up like they have, it raises some questions about the system in place. It is entirely possible it is not Ferguson and Wright’s fault at all, but if the same negative result keeps happening, you have to re-evaluate your process.