The San Francisco 49ers have developed a distinct sense of apprehension when it comes to the NFL offseason. For most NFL teams, the offseason is a time of hope and renewal, driven by the excitement of free agency and the draft, both of which offer opportunities to build a Super Bowl-contending roster. However, for the 49ers, the offseason often feels more like a curse. This period typically follows a painful playoff defeat, leaving the organization with a lingering uncertainty about which key players or coaches they might lose rather than gain. Despite this, the 49ers have largely done a commendable job navigating through the challenges of coaching departures and roster changes in recent years. After finishing a 6-11 season, there was optimism that for the first time since 2020, the team could avoid the usual distractions and outside noise associated with the offseason. Unfortunately, the NFL had different plans.
As the 49ers begin their search to fill the vacancies left by three departing coordinators, they find themselves in the midst of competition from other teams also looking to fill key coaching positions. One team that the 49ers have a particularly strong connection with is the New York Jets. Over the past few years, the two franchises have been linked in various ways, whether it be through player transactions or coaching changes. This relationship has only deepened since 2021, and now, the 49ers’ efforts to bring Robert Saleh back to San Francisco have set the stage for the Jets to make a move of their own — attempting to lure away one of the 49ers’ coaches.
The Jets are currently in the midst of an extensive search for a new head coach capable of reversing the team’s struggles. New York’s owner, Woody Johnson, has been actively involved in the process, working with the 33rd Team, a group of current and former NFL players, coaches, and executives that specialize in football analysis. This partnership led the Jets to San Francisco, where they identified Brian Griese, the 49ers’ quarterback coach, as a potential candidate for their vacant head coaching position. At first glance, this seemed an unusual choice, considering Griese had never called plays at the NFL level and had just four years of coaching experience. Furthermore, moving directly from quarterback coach to head coach without taking the necessary intermediate steps seemed like an ambitious leap. However, Griese quickly put any speculation to rest.
On Friday, Brian Costello, a Jets reporter for the New York Post, revealed that Griese had declined the Jets’ request for an interview. While the exact reason behind his decision was not disclosed, it was noteworthy that Griese was the only one of the 12 candidates interviewed by the Jets to reject the opportunity. This decision, whatever the underlying reason, is a positive sign for the 49ers as they approach a crucial offseason in 2025.
Griese’s return to the 49ers is significant for several reasons. Over the past three seasons, San Francisco has reached the NFC Championship Game and the Super Bowl, showcasing consistent success at the highest level. This is, in no small part, due to Griese’s work with the quarterbacks. As the team prepares to sign Brock Purdy to a lucrative contract extension this offseason — potentially surpassing the $300 million mark and resetting the quarterback market — Griese’s role in Purdy’s development cannot be overstated.
Looking back to 2022, the 49ers were initially fully invested in Trey Lance, the third-overall pick in the NFL Draft. However, Griese, seeing potential in a lesser-known quarterback, advocated for the team to select Brock Purdy with the final pick of that draft. Griese was impressed by Purdy’s accuracy and decision-making ability, and his recommendation would prove to be a franchise-altering decision. With Lance suffering a season-ending injury early in the 2022 season and Jimmy Garoppolo also going down later in the year, Purdy emerged as a reliable leader and played a pivotal role in the 49ers’ postseason push.
Retaining Griese, therefore, is critical not only for the stability of the team and the quarterback room but also for the continued development of Brock Purdy as he prepares for his massive contract extension. Griese’s expertise has been essential in shaping Purdy into the quarterback he has become, and his ongoing presence will be crucial to ensure that Purdy continues to grow and succeed as the leader of the 49ers’ offense.
As the 49ers navigate through yet another offseason filled with uncertainty and change, the return of Brian Griese serves as a beacon of stability and hope. His ability to help mold quarterbacks and his deep understanding of the team’s offensive system make him an invaluable asset. For the 49ers, keeping Griese on staff is not just a win for the coaching staff but also a strategic move to secure the future of their quarterback position and, by extension, their championship aspirations.
