A former Arizona Cardinals coach is joining an NFC West rival. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, former Cardinals defensive coordinator James Bettcher is joining the San Francisco 49ers.
He will not be the defensive coordinator, as DeMeco Ryans was promoted to be DC after Robert Saleh, who held the position the last four season, was hired by the New York Jets to be their head coach. Instead, Bettcher will be a senior defensive advisor to help Ryans, who is a rookie coordinator.
The #49ers are hiring former #Giants DC James Bettcher in a senior defensive role, source said. He’ll provide veteran assistance for new coordinator DeMeco Ryans, as well as simply bolster the staff with the loss of Robert Saleh.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 23, 2021
Bettcher was DC for the Cardinals from 2015-2017 and, after head coach Bruce Arians retired and Steve Wilk did not retain him, he held the same position in 2018 and 2019 with the New York Giants.
The NFC West, while there have been no head coaching changes this offseason, is seeing many changes in coaching staffs. Each team has lost at least one of their top coordinators.
The move to add Bettcher is smart of the 49ers. They are pairing a rookie coordinator with one with experience, not only with the job but also in the division.
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