Atlanta Falcons first-year coach Dan Quinn, who served as a 49ers’ assistant coach for five seasons, interviewed for the 49ers’ opening when the organization was between coaches.
He might be on the other sideline Sunday when his Falcons enter Levi's Stadium, but he'll have a 49ers flavor on his sideline.
Jeff Ulbrich, a San Jose native who played 10 seasons for the 49ers, left Jim Mora’s program at UCLA to join Quinn as linebackers coach shortly after Quinn left his position as Seahawks defensive coordinator to take over as the head coach. And Quinn also brought aboard former 49ers safety Lance Schulters to work as a Falcons special-teams intern.
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“If I ever had a shot, an opportunity, he was always somebody I wanted with me,” Quinn said of Ulbrich. “He’s a huge part of what we do. (He) teaches, communicates and relates to the player. He’s a star in the profession, as a coach, too.”
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Quinn’s involvement with Schulters dates back to when he was a coach at Hofstra and Schulters was a player. Schulters played four seasons with the 49ers (1998 to 2001) and was named to one Pro Bowl. He played 10 NFL seasons.
"The toughness and attitude, he's got this ability to relate to players in a really unique way," Quinn said.
San Francisco 49ers
The Falcons’ defensive coordinator is Richard Smith, who was linebackers coach on Steve Mariucci’s staff with the 49ers while Quinn worked with the defensive line.