Kyle Shanahan has another position to fill on his 49ers coaching staff.
Jeff Hafley, who served the past three seasons as 49ers defensive backs coach, has accepted an offer to become Ohio State’s co-defensive coordinator, the school announced on Monday. Hafley spent seven seasons in the NFL, including stints with Tampa Bay and Cleveland.
Hafley will share the duties with Greg Mattison, who coached the past eight seasons at Michigan.
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“Jeff is a rising star and highly regarded as one of the best secondary coaches in the country,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said in a statement.
“His NFL knowledge coaching the secondary is only going to enhance and improve what has become a marquee area for the Buckeyes. Greg is a terrific coach. His experience as a coordinator and his knowledge of the Big Ten is extremely important to me.”
Day, who succeeds Urban Meyer as the Buckeyes' coach, and Hafley worked together for the 2016 season on Chip Kelly’s staff. Hafley remained with the 49ers under Kyle Shanahan. Hafley and Shanahan were together for one season on Mike Pettine’s staff with the Cleveland Browns.
Hafley’s departure to Ohio State means Shanahan has at least two spots to fill on his staff. The 49ers last week fired head strength and conditioning coach Ray Wright.