The San Francisco 49ers have hired Brant Boyer, the New York Jets' former special teams coordinator, to take over the same role with their team. He replaces recently fired special teams coordinator Brian Schneider.
The 49ers interviewed several candidates for the position, including Detroit Lions assistant special teams coordinator Jett Modkins, Denver Broncos assistant special teams coordinator Chris Banjo, and former Carolina Panthers interim head coach and special teams coordinator Chris Tabor. Head coach Kyle Shanahan also mentioned that former 49ers defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen, recently replaced by Robert Saleh, would be considered for the role.
Sorensen is not expected to return to the 49ers, despite Shanahan previously expressing interest in retaining him in some capacity.
Boyer, 52, has an extensive NFL background both as a player and coach. He played linebacker in the league from 1994 to 2004, suiting up for the Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Cleveland Browns.
Boyer began his coaching career as an intern with the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants from 2009 to 2010. He later served as the Indianapolis Colts' assistant special teams coach from 2012 to 2015 before taking on the role of special teams coordinator with the Jets in 2016, a position he has held since. Boyer, who has worked with Saleh since 2021, now reunites with him on Shanahan's staff in Santa Clara.
The Jets recently hired Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn as their new head coach, allowing Boyer to seek other opportunities.