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Kevin Stefanski has been so busy hiring assistants that time is flying until he can officially hire 49ers defensive backs coach Joe Woods as his defensive coordinator after the Super Bowl.
“I have no problem waiting,’’ Stefanski said Wednesday night at the Greater Cleveland Sports Awards.
Stefanski worked with Woods for eight years in Minnesota, and is eager to bring him on board.
“[He’s] another one of those great coaches I’ve been around among many guys,’’ he said. “But he’s in the Super Bowl, which is the ultimate that we’re all trying to get to, so I’ll wait to talk about any of those scenarios until after that Super Bowl.’’
Stefanski is also holding off on hiring some of his defensive assistants until Woods is in the house and able to add some of his own guys. Incumbent Brown defensive backs coach DeWayne Walker, for instance, is ‘under consideration’ to remain with the Browns, but interviewed with the Eagles on Wednesday and could be gone by the time Woods is officially hired.
Bill Callahan as senior advisor
Stefanski acknowledged that Bill Callahan, former head coach of the Raiders and interim coach of the Redskins, will serve as a senior offensive assistant and mentor as well as offensive line coach.
“Yes, and that’s the idea behind bringing coach Callahan here,’’ Stefanski said. “He’s been there, he’s done that at the collegiate level, at the pro level, so I’m going to lean heavily on him among other guys on the staff, but coach Callahan brings a very unique perspective and I just like to be surrounded by smart people.’’
He noted that “I’m excited to add him to the mix. He’s a great teacher, first and foremost. He and I had a lot of mutual friends, so I understand the man and he understands me, and what we’re looking for, what we’re looking to do. Ultimately, just having someone of his stature is very important.’’
Stefanski, who’s also hired former Dolphins offensive coordinator Chad O’Shea as receivers coach and passing game coordinator, confirmed that special teams coordinator Mike Priefer and his assistant Doug Colman are staying, as well as running backs coach Stump Mitchell.
“So some really good coaches I think are going to contribute to our success going forward,’’ he said.
As for Mitchell, he said, “I like the way he teaches. I like the toughness that he brings to our staff room to the field, and I think the proof is in the pudding, he had two really good players playing this year, so I think he’s an excellent coach and excited that he’s a part of our future.’’
OC or no OC
Stefanski said he doesn’t know yet if he’ll hire an offensive coordinator. He’s interviewed former Broncos OC Rich Scangarello but hasn’t hire him yet.
“It’s not like we’ve said we’re not hiring an offensive coordinator,’’ he said. “We’re just trying to work through it and make sure we add the right people.’’