49ers hire Ken Norton Jr. as assistant head coach Post navigation

The San Francisco 49ers just announced significant changes to their coaching staff.

Former Oakland Raiders defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. will be the 49ers assistant head coach/inside linebacker coach. Last season’s linebackers coach Johnny Holland now will coach only outside linebackers, and he is the 49ers new run game specialist.

Here is statement from 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan: “Ken brings a great deal of knowledge and experience to our team having spent more than two decades as a NFL player and coach. Throughout his coaching career, Ken has developed a tremendous understanding of our defensive system, making him a perfect fit for our staff. With four Super Bowl titles on his resume, including one as a 49er, Ken knows firsthand what it takes to become a championship caliber team.”

Norton will work under 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, who worked under Norton from 2011 to 2013. Norton was the linebackers coach for the Seattle Seahawks, and Saleh was a defensive quality control coach.

Now, the 49ers have Saleh’s potential replacement in the building. If the defense under performs next season or the season after, the 49ers could fire Saleh and promote Norton Jr. to defensive coordinator.

Something similar happened to Norton last season. The Raiders hired John Pagano as the assistant head coach during the offseason, then fired Norton midseason and promoted Pagano to defensive coordinator.

Saleh probably feels tense.