San Francisco loses another staff member to division rival Seattle Seahawks as Brian Fleury departs for an offensive coordinator gig.
The offseason brought an unexpected twist for the San Francisco coaching staff as longtime assistant Brian Fleury departed to become the offensive coordinator in Seattle.
After seven seasons contributing to multiple phases of the organization, his exit leaves a noticeable void on a team that prides itself on continuity.
Fleury’s rise through the ranks reflected both adaptability and trust from head coach Kyle Shanahan.
He initially joined the staff on the defensive side before shifting to offense, eventually overseeing tight ends while adding run-game coordinator duties.
That versatility made him a valuable behind-the-scenes architect of the club’s offensive efficiency in recent seasons.
Seattle’s decision to bring him aboard followed the departure of former coordinator Klint Kubiak, who accepted a head-coaching opportunity with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Rather than promote strictly from within, the Seahawks targeted Fleury for his experience in Shanahan’s system, a scheme widely respected for its run-game precision and layered play design.
Another factor in the hire is Fleury’s familiarity with quarterback Sam Darnold, who previously shared a meeting room with starter Brock Purdy during his stint in the Bay Area.
That existing relationship could help smooth the transition as Seattle continues refining its offensive identity.
Before arriving in San Francisco, Fleury’s résumé included analytical and coaching stops with the Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, and Buffalo Bills.
Those experiences, combined with his quarterback background, helped shape a coach comfortable blending film study, data insights, and on-field instruction.
His most recent work involved developing the run scheme and mentoring All-Pro tight end George Kittle.
During that stretch, the offense consistently ranked among the league leaders in efficiency metrics, underscoring how important the system’s details, blocking angles, timing, and motion usage became to overall production.
From a competitive standpoint, the departure adds intrigue within the NFC West. Fleury now brings intimate knowledge of San Francisco’s tendencies to a divisional opponent, potentially influencing future matchups.
At the same time, Seattle hopes his influence will further elevate a ground attack that could hinge on the future of running back Kenneth Walker III.
For Shanahan and his staff, the challenge now is replacing a coach who understood both sides of the ball and contributed to the collaborative culture the team has built.
Promotions from within are possible, but outside candidates could also emerge as the organization evaluates the best path forward.
While coaching turnover is inevitable in today’s NFL, losing a trusted assistant to a division rival always carries extra weight.
How quickly the 49ers adjust and how effectively Fleury translates his experience in Seattle will be a storyline to watch as the next season approaches.