The 49ers also blocked the Cleveland Browns and Minnesota Vikings on interview requests for LaFleur.
The 49ers have already denied NFL teams permission to interview run-game coordinator Mike McDaniel, whom the Arizona Cardinals requested, and quarterbacks coach Rich Scangarello, whom the Denver Broncos requested. Both were being considered for offensive coordinator jobs.
LaFleur is in his second season with San Francisco. He served as the team's wide receivers/passing game coordinator in 2017.
While the 49ers were the only NFL team without a 500-yard wide receiver this past season, injuries, which devastated the position, have attributed to a lot of that. The 49ers have been linked to Pittsburgh Steelers veteran receiver Antonio Brown, who has expressed a desire to be traded.
LaFleur previously worked with Shanahan in 2015 and 2016 when the 49ers head coach was the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons. He worked with the Falcons receivers, including Julio Jones, who finished the 2016 season second in the NFL with 1,409 receiving yards.
With three denials, Shanahan is working hard to block other teams from poaching his coaching staff. NFL teams can deny permission to interview assistants, even if it appears to be a promotion because the league puts coaches into two categories: assistants and head coaches. Only interview opportunities for the latter must be allowed for assistants.
"I like our staff a lot. I think we've got some good coaches," Shanahan told reporters on December 31.
Not all of Shanahan's staff was safe. The 49ers recently fired head strength and conditioning coach Ray Wright and long-time head athletic trainer Jeff Ferguson.
"I'm not going to ever say that everyone is just totally safe forever," Shanahan continued. "But, what I can say is I think our staff is a very good staff and I like what our guys are, and where they can be, and it's the staff I want to hold onto."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers mailbag: What's up with Jordan Elliott's knee? Can SF stop Jonathan Taylor? What's on the 49ers' list for Santa?
The San Francisco 49ers are gearing up for the final push toward the 2025 postseason. How far they will be able to go will depend on their health and how many young players perform. Especially since some are reserves who are playing for injured players. We opened the 49ers... -
Key stats from the 49ers' 48-27 Week 16 win vs. the Colts
The San Francisco 49ers improved to 11-4 on the season after a 48-27 Week 16 win over the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. Below are several statistics and notes from Monday's game, which were provided by the 49ers Communications staff. With... -
49ers' Trent Williams on NFL future: 'I'm nowhere near done'
San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams is not contemplating retirement anytime soon. Despite being 37 years old, Williams continues to perform at an elite level and believes he still has plenty of football left in him. Williams has earned a Pro Football Focus grade... -
Kyle Shanahan evaluates Caleb Williams ahead of 49ers-Bears showdown
The San Francisco 49ers are facing the Chicago Bears for the second straight year. In 2024, head coach Kyle Shanahan's squad came away with a dominant 38-13 victory at Levi's Stadium, and aim to repeat that success on Sunday night as they continue their push toward the...