It is unknown how interested Fangio was in returning to the 49ers, who will likely have current Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan as their new head coach once his playoff run is complete.
Fangio was the 49ers' defensive coordinator under Jim Harbaugh from 2011 through 2014. After Harbaugh and the 49ers parted ways, Fangio left for Chicago. The 49ers defense never ranked worse than fifth in the league under Fangio. The Bears defense has ranked 14th and 15th in 2015 and 2016 respectively.
Fangio was one of two internal coaches that were interviewed for the head coaching job following the 2014 season. The job ultimately went to the other internal candidate, Jim Tomsula, who worked under Fangio as the defensive line coach.
The 49ers were also interested in former Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley as their defensive coordinator. However, Bradley was only interested in the job if Seattle Seahawks assistant head coach and offensive line coach Tom Cable had been named the head coach.
The 49ers attempted to convince Bradley to join the team after it became known that Cable would not be the next head coach, but he declined. Bradley is in the running as the defensive coordinator for several NFL teams.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak shares updates ahead of 49ers-Titans preseason game
San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak spoke with reporters after Monday's training camp practice as the team gears up for its preseason game against the Tennessee Titans. Here's everything he had to say. Transcript provided by the San Francisco 49ers... -
49ers coach reveals why defensive versatility is a major training camp focus
San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Raheem Morris is learning a lot about his players during training camp, and part of that evaluation involves experimenting with their versatility. The 49ers selected linebacker Jaden Dugger in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and... -
49ers roster moves: Receiver, edge rusher added, two defensive linemen waived
The San Francisco 49ers have signed wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge and edge rusher Ogbo Okoronkwo to one-year deals. Both additions were previously reported by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. To make room on the roster, the team waived defensive lineman Kevin Givens and defensive lineman... -
49ers training camp: Brock Purdy bounces back, still no Nick Bosa at practice
The San Francisco 49ers held their 10th full training camp practice on Monday as they continued preparations for the 2026 NFL season. The team will host the Tennessee Titans in Thursday night's preseason opener. The 49ers announced two roster moves ahead of practice. The team...