The San Francisco 49ers will hire John Benton to be their offensive line coach within Kyle Shanahan's staff, per Alex Marvez of the Sporting News. News of the 49ers' interest in Benton was first reported by the Sacramento Bee.
I'm told that @49ers are finalizing -- if they haven't finished already -- hiring of John Benton as o-line coach @sn_nfl @SiriusXMNFL
— Alex Marvez (@alexmarvez) February 20, 2017
Benton has 13 years of NFL coaching experience and spent the 2016 season with Jacksonville Jaguars as their assistant offensive line coach. Last month, Benton agreed to become the assistant offensive line coach with the Denver Broncos. He spent eight seasons as the offensive line coach with the Houston Texans serving under Gary Kubiak. Benton has also served as the offensive line coach for the St. Louis Rams and the Miami Dolphins.
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Benton and Shanahan crossed paths in Houston from 2006 through 2009. Shanahan joined the Texans as a wide receivers coach in 2006 but worked his way up to become the team's offensive coordinator in 2008, at which point Benton worked under the current 49ers head coach for two seasons. Shanahan would go on to become the offensive coordinator for the Washinton Redskins in 2010.
Big hire, gr8 coach. Will help put in outside zone. DEN does the #49ers another solid by allowing another foundation piece to leave. #49wz https://t.co/0JCtIujPQz
— Aaron Erickson (@EricksonAaron44) February 20, 2017
Benton's last job as an offensive line coach was in 2014 and 2015 with the Dolphins. The Dolphins ranked 23rd in the league in sacks allowed (46) in 2014 and 25th (45) in 2015. However, while working under Shanahan in Houston, the Texans ranked 6th in sacks allowed (25) in 2008 and 5th (25) in 2009.
Benton replaces former offensive line coach Pat Flaherty, who served on Chip Kelly's staff.