September 18, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterbacks coach Brian Griese before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

49ers make change at QBs coach, promote Mick Lombardi

In addition to confirming a new set of coordinators Tuesday, the San Francisco 49ers promoted Mick Lombardi to quarterbacks coach, replacing Brian Griese in the role.

It was not yet known whether Griese was let go or chose to leave the 49ers on his own. Griese, the quarterbacks coach for the past three seasons in San Francisco, was sought for a head-coaching interview with the New York Jets last month but declined the offer.

Lombardi, 36, is in his second stint with the 49ers after working in various lower capacities on their staff from 2013-16. He served as the Las Vegas Raiders’ offensive coordinator in 2022-23 before returning to San Francisco as a senior offensive assistant in 2024.

The change in the quarterbacks room comes as the 49ers are expected to re-sign starter Brock Purdy to a long-term deal this offseason.

The 49ers also formalized the promotion of Klay Kubiak as their new offensive coordinator, announced initially in January. The role was vacant for the past two seasons. Head coach Kyle Shanahan, however, will still call plays.

Kubiak worked in assistant roles on both sides of the ball for the Niners since 2021 and was an offensive passing game specialist last year.

Robert Saleh returns to his old post of defensive coordinator after being fired as head coach of the New York Jets in October. Brant Boyer joins San Francisco as special teams coordinator.

–Field Level Media

Jan 22, 2022; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; A San Francisco 49ers helmet sits idle against the Green Bay Packers in a NFC Divisional playoff football game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Brian Griese leaves ‘MNF’ to become 49ers’ QB coach

Longtime NFL quarterback Brian Griese is joining the San Francisco 49ers as their quarterbacks coach, leaving behind ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” booth, multiple media outlets reported Friday night.

Griese, who turns 47 this month, will take on a coaching role for the first time. The son of quarterback Bob Griese spent an 11-year playing career with the Denver Broncos (1998-2002), Miami Dolphins (2003), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2004-05, 2008) and Chicago Bears (2006-07).

In 93 career games (83 starts), Griese threw for 19,440 yards, 119 touchdowns and 99 interceptions with a 62.7 percent career completion rate. He was a Pro Bowler in 2000.

Griese spent two seasons in the ESPN broadcast booth with play-by-play announcer Steve Levy and fellow analyst Louis Riddick. ESPN is reportedly pursuing Fox’s Troy Aikman in an effort to overhaul its “Monday Night Football” broadcast.

Riddick interviewed for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ general manager opening earlier this week, further hinting at a shakeup at ESPN.

Griese fills a vacancy on the 49ers’ staff that opened when Rich Scangarello exited last month to become the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the University of Kentucky.

The 49ers are coming off an NFC Championship Game appearance. They are expected to trade starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and elevate Trey Lance, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 draft, to take his place.

–Field Level Media