Report: 49ers expected to retain Eric Mangini as defensive coordinator

Despite a coaching staff that will look drastically different after the hiring of former Eagles head coach Chip Kelly, the 49ers should still have a healthy dose of the Mangenius.

According to a report by Alex Marvez of FOX Sports on Monday, there is a “strong possibility” that the 49ers retain defensive coordinator Eric Mangini.

Source tells @NFLonFOX there's "strong possibility" Eric Mangini returns as @49ers defensive coordinator. Makes sense w/his 3-4 background

— Alex Marvez (@alexmarvez) January 18, 2016

Mangini, 44, ascended to the position from tight ends coach in January 2015. Things didn’t go smoothly last season, however, as Mangini presided over a defense that ranked dead last in DVOA, per Football Outsiders. But surprise retirements and injuries alike crippled the unit and forced Mangini to start from scratch before the season even began. The struggles weren’t just confined to the defense either as the entire 49ers organization was a flaming mess in 2015. The team went 5-11 on the year, marking their worst finish in nearly a decade.

Still, the Niners appear to be content with giving Mangini a chance to redeem himself in 2016. The job might not be much easier under Kelly though, who is famed for his up-tempo offensive system, which could mean that Mangini’s defense is on the field for a ton of snaps. But the talent is definitely there for San Francisco on the defensive side of the ball. They just might find that offering Mangini, who has a strong track record as defensive tactician, another season to tap into that talent will be a worthwhile venture.

Image Credit: William Perlman/NJ Advance Media for NJ.com via USA TODAY Sports

H/T Rotoworld