Watch Katie Sowers discussing route concepts with Senior Bowl receivers

The San Francisco 49ers coaching staff is putting the South squad through their paces at the 2019 Senior Bowl, and that affords us a unique opportunity. NFL Network broadcasts chunks of practice, which includes position coaches working with players. Since this is about evaluation rather than winning a football game, the broadcast offers an inside look at the coaching process. The 49ers staff is not concerned about giving away secrets to the Raiders coaching staff, and so we get an inside look at the coaches.

Offensive assistant Katie Sowers showed up on NFL Network working with the wide receivers. She was going through some route concepts with them and testing them on the information as they continue installation of some basic offense for Sunday’s game.

Sowers is listed as an offensive assistant, but by all accounts, much of her work dating back to 2017 has been with the wide receivers. It makes sense she would continue that role at the Senior Bowl, but in light of potential staff changes, I find myself wondering if she might be promoted sooner rather than later.

49ers quarterbacks coach Rich Scangatrello was hired to be the Denver Broncos offensive coordinator. On Tuesday, wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator Mike LaFleur was working with the quarterbacks, while run game coordinator Mike McDaniel was working with the wide receivers. This week appears to be a tryout of sorts to determine the QB coach, and potentially adjust other roles.

If LaFleur moves to QB coach, it leaves an opening at WR coach. McDaniel could move into that role, but maybe Sowers gets a new opportunity? She could very well be in the running for the WR coach position, or at the very least could get bumped from offensive assistant to assistant wide receivers coach. She could simply remain in her current role and continue building her experience as well.

The 49ers receivers have offered praise for Sowers’ work, and at some point, one would think her work would lead to a promotion. There is no rush to get this done, but I imagine we’ll hear about any promotions by the time the offseason workout program arrives.