the San Francisco 49ers have not officially announced the hiring of a new special teams coordinator.
The San Francisco 49ers have officially named Brant Boyer as their new special teams coordinator. Boyer brings extensive experience, having served in the same role with the New York Jets since 2016. Before that, he was the assistant special teams coach for the Indianapolis Colts from 2012 to 2015.
Boyer’s Playing Career and Coaching Highlights
As a former NFL player, Boyer knows the game firsthand. Drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the sixth round of the 1994 NFL Draft, he spent 11 seasons in the league, excelling as both a linebacker and special teams ace.
During his tenure with the Colts, Boyer worked with top-tier talent like punter Pat McAfee and kicker Adam Vinatieri, both of whom earned first-team All-Pro honors and trips to the Pro Bowl. The 49ers, who had major struggles with punting and kicking last season, will look to Boyer to replicate that kind of success in San Francisco.
A Turnaround Specialist
Although the Jets started last season with a lackluster performance on special teams, they completely flipped the script, finishing the second half ranked No. 1 in the NFL (per DVOA). Head coach Kyle Shanahan specifically sought a coordinator who could adapt mid-game and make impactful adjustments—something Boyer has proven he can do.
Addressing the 49ers’ Special Teams Issues
Special teams have been a consistent sore spot for the 49ers during Shanahan’s tenure, with the unit frequently falling victim to fakes and costly mistakes. The hope is that Boyer’s leadership will put an end to those recurring errors.
Strengths to Build On
One area where Boyer has a head start is the return game, thanks to the 49ers’ talented duo of Jacob Cowing and Deebo Samuel. Both players have been electrifying as returners, providing a solid foundation for Boyer’s system. However, the kicking game remains a glaring issue that needs immediate attention, as it has repeatedly cost the team in critical moments.
A Fascinating Hire
The decision to replace Nick Sorensen with Boyer raises some interesting questions. Was it a difference in philosophy regarding the team’s personnel? Did Boyer’s lifetime of experience give him the edge? Whatever the deciding factor, it’s clear that the 49ers are putting their faith in Boyer to elevate their special teams unit and fix their most glaring weaknesses.
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