While Marvez didn't specify whether Zgonina is leaving the team of his own choosing or not, the San Francisco Chronicle later confirmed that he was fired.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers have already blocked requests by several teams to interview members of his staff, including wide receivers/passing game coordinator Mike LaFleur, run-game coordinator Mike McDaniel, and quarterbacks coach Rich Scangarello.
The 49ers recently fired head strength and conditioning coach Ray Wright and long-time head athletic trainer Jeff Ferguson.
Shanahan told reporters on December 31 that he likes his current staff and wants to keep it together.
"I'm not going to ever say that everyone is just totally safe forever," Shanahan said. "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."
Zgonina played 17 years in the NFL as a defensive tackle and was part of the St. Louis Rams team that won Super Bowl XXXIV in 2000. He also played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, and Houston Texans. During his time as a player, Zgonina had 448 tackles, 26 sacks, and 13 forced fumbles. His best season was in 2004 with the Miami Dolphins, when he had 63 tackles and five sacks.
Zgonina spent the past two seasons with San Francisco. Third-year defensive tackle DeForest Buckner produced a career-high 12 sacks in 2018 but the group as a whole registered just 37 combined sacks, which was tied for No. 22 in the league.
Zgonina entered coaching in 2013 as an assistant defensive line coach with the Texans and then joined the Giants in 2016 before joining Shanahan in San Francisco.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
ESPN mock draft: 49ers eye D-line help
With the San Francisco 49ers fighting to avoid playoff elimination in the final stretch of the regular season, it's also time to start considering mock drafts and the players experts believe could help the team bounce back from another potentially disappointing campaign. ESPN... -
Why Nick Bosa is 'excited' for the future of the 49ers D-line
The upcoming offseason could bring significant changes for the San Francisco 49ers as they look to reshape their roster following a disappointing 2024 campaign. However, pass rusher Nick Bosa believes the defensive line is finally hitting its stride and hopes the unit can... -
49ers vs. Bears injury updates: O-line takes another hit
The San Francisco 49ers entered Sunday's matchup against the Chicago Bears without several key players, including defensive end Nick Bosa, tackle Trent Williams, and guard Aaron Banks. Bosa is sidelined with hip and oblique injuries, Williams is dealing with an ankle issue, and... -
49ers DE Yetur Gross-Matos named NFC Defensive Player of the Week
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos has been named the Week 14 NFC Defensive Player of the Week following his standout performance in Sunday's 38-13 win over the Chicago Bears. NFC Players of the Week! (Week 14)@__lobo99 | @bryan_bresee...