4 head coaches 49ers ‘could’ want to replace Kyle Shanahan
By Peter Panacy
49ers Replacement No. 2: Buccaneers Offensive Coordinator Byron Leftwich
Again, it’s easy to tout the achievements of potential head-coaching candidates who have elite-level quarterbacks playing underneath them. And there’s no greater example than Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich, who worked in tandem with another future Hall of Famer in Tom Brady.
While Brady gets and deserves a ton of the credit for the Bucs’ 2020 Super Bowl run and championship, it’s important to note Leftwich was a massive part of that campaign, too.
Especially when it came to meshing his scheme with Brady’s talents and the supporting cast of weaponry at Brady’s disposal.
Much like how the Niners are getting some mutual respect with their current defensive coordinator, DeMeco Ryans, a former NFL linebacker, there’d be the added bonus of Leftwich’s own on-field success as a former pro quarterback, which could easily help in Trey Lance’s own development at the next crucial stages of his career.
Perhaps, even to a bigger point, Leftwich might be able to bring along a few tips and tricks learned from Brady, which should only be seen as a bonus.