In the theater of NFL strategy, Kyle Shanahan is the director who loves to rewrite the script. Just as a master storyteller introduces unexpected twists, he’s set the stage for a plot change that’s bound to keep fans on the edge of their seats. With the echoes of past glories still fresh, Shanahan’s latest announcement hints at a dramatic new chapter—one that’s as bold and unpredictable as a high-stakes gambit in the final act of a thriller.
The 49ers just added Brant Boyer as their new special teams coordinator to their roster. Bringing in a guy with nearly a decade of experience leading that unit for the New York Jet, Boyer is known for turning special teams into a strength, and with the Niners revamping their entire coordinator lineup—Robert Saleh back in as DC and Klay Kubiak stepping up as OC—this hire feels like another big piece of the puzzle.
Welcome to The Bay, Brant Boyer!
5 things to know about the #49ers new special teams coordinator
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) March 25, 2025
Boyer and Saleh go way back. When Saleh took over as Jets head coach in 2021, he trusted Boyer enough to keep him around. Now, they’re reuniting in San Francisco, and that chemistry could be huge in helping Boyer settle in fast. The 49ers’ special teams weren’t exactly elite last year, so this move could be a major boost.
Boyer isn’t just some random hire—he’s got the receipts. During his time in New York, he helped guys like Braxton Berrios and Andre Roberts earn First-Team All-Pro honors as returners. He also coached up Pro Bowlers like Justin Hardee and kicker Jason Myers. With his stats—his Jets special teams unit was ranked tied for second in total touchdowns (9), second in blocked punts (8), and tied for fifth in special teams points scored (63)—Boyer might be exactly what the Niners need to take their special teams to the next level.
After 129 career games—amassing 250 tackles and 13 sacks—this guy’s seen it all. Players respect someone who’s been in the thick of it. And his hard-earned street credit is exactly what a special team’s coach and the team need. And why might he have joined the 49ers? I mean, would you rather be with a team that had a taste of the Super Bowl field in the last 5 years? Or with a team who hasn’t had a taste of the playoffs since 2010? Do the math.
When he’s not on the field, he’s out embracing nature—whether that means casting a line, chasing game in the wild, or shredding snow on a snowmobile. As he once put it on the Official Jets Podcast, “I’m a huge fisherman. I fly-fish probably four to five times a week, if I can get a chance back home in Utah.” That laid-back yet focused vibe is the perfect mix for coaching special teams, where every little detail matters. While the Boyer acquisition represents a step forward, the 49ers are also grappling with a Brock Purdy shaped question mark.
Will the 49ers lock him in or leave him hanging?
John Lynch said it himself—he wants Brock Purdy to be the 49ers’ QB for the long haul. “I want Brock to be our quarterback for as long as we’re here and beyond,” he told reporters back in February. But fast forward to now, and… crickets. No extension talks, no contract buzz—just a whole lot of waiting. And instead of locking Purdy in with a big deal. The Niners might be leaning toward the franchise tag, which would keep him around without actually offering a long-term commitment. Most offseason chatter around Purdy’s contract has been related to questions about whether the team will actually give him the extension in 2025.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter broke down how this could play out, saying, “I think people forget the fact that if they can’t get a deal done, the Niners simply could have him play this year for $5.1 million, tag him again next year for $41 million, and tag him the year after for $51 million.” That adds up to about $97 million over three years, which sounds decent. Until you compare it to a real QB deal. Some reports suggest Purdy is looking for a deal worth $50 million per year. A five-year, $250 million contract would likely include financial security for years to come.
And that’s the real issue—getting tagged is a financial gamble. Sure, it’s a short-term bag, but it also means Purdy would be playing year-to-year with zero guarantees. Did you get it? ZERO money in his account! No bonuses, no incentives, and no ability to negotiate with other teams. “Brock Purdy probably, or at least his agent probably, would be disappointed to have to play for $97 million over the next three years, but the Niners have his rights,” Schefter added. Basically, if the Niners go this route, Purdy’s stuck until they decide to pay up—or not. In other words, a puppet.
But not everyone is buying into the drama. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer actually thinks a Brock Purdy deal is coming. He said, “That’s with Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, Trent Williams, and Christian McCaffrey intact as All-Pro foundation pieces to build around, and with a big contract for Brock Purdy coming.” So maybe it’s not a matter of if Purdy gets paid, but when. The only question is, how long is he willing to wait?
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