The San Francisco 49ers are not expected to retain defensive line coach Jeff Zgonina, according to Alex Marvez. Zgonina just completed his second season as the 49ers d-line coach, and his fourth as an NFL coach. Previously he spent one season with the New York Giants as an assistant d-line coach, and the same role for a year in Houston.
The 49ers defensive line had its share of ups and downs. DeForest Buckner had a huge breakout season, and Ronald Blair quietly put together a really solid season. Buckner had 12 sacks, while Blair had 5.5 sacks. Arik Armstead was healthy for the first time since his rookie year, and was particularly capable in run defense. He only had three sacks, but was third on the team in quarterback pressures.
If the 49ers do in fact part ways with Zgonina, one name I’ll throw out there for kicks is Jim Tomsula. He is Washington’s defensive line coach, but there was a report earlier this week that he wanted out of the circus in DC. He may not get out, and even if he does, who knows if Kyle Shanahan would want him around, or if he would even want to return too the site of ugliness. But for now, we’ll wait and see what the next couple weeks bring.