49ers’ Coaching Conundrum: Klay Kubiak Poised for Promotion with a Twist

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan hinted earlier this week that Klay Kubiak was set to become the team’s offensive coordinator. Yet, there’s a catch. According to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones, NFL regulations prevent such an announcement without a formal search and interview process.

Shanahan lauded Kubiak’s contributions, saying, “Klay’s done as much as anyone on offense for these last two years. So, this was his second year doing that, and he gets better and better each year at it. Just hasn’t had the official title yet. And now he’ll get the official title, which he more than deserves, but it’s more about recognizing what he’s already been doing, and doing at a high level.”

Since Mike McDaniel’s departure to coach the Miami Dolphins in 2021, the 49ers have not had an official offensive coordinator. On the coaching roster, Chris Foerster is listed as the run game coordinator and offensive line coach, while Kubiak serves as the offensive passing game specialist.

Kubiak, whose NFL roots run deep as the son of former Houston Texans and Denver Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak, started his tenure in San Francisco as the defensive quality control coach before transitioning to assistant quarterbacks coach. His rise within the organization has been swift and impressive.

With the mandatory open search and interview process ahead, Kubiak is primed for the role, but fans and analysts alike are left in suspense. Will he officially get the title he so rightfully deserves? The saga continues, and the 49ers’ coaching lineup remains a hot topic.