Texas Tech aide to join 49ers staff
February 17, 2003
CONTRA COSTA TIMES
Greg McMakin is leaving his role as Texas Tech's associate head coach/defensive coordinator to become the 49ers' linebackers coach, the Lubbock (Texas) Avalanche-Journal reported Sunday.
McMakin has strong ties to new 49ers coach Dennis Erickson, having served as Erickson's defensive coordinator with the Seattle Seahawks from 1995-98. McMakin reportedly also will hold the title of the defense's associate head coach, though Erickson has retained Jim Mora as the 49ers defensive coordinator.
"It's just such a great opportunity," McMakin told the Avalanche-Journal on Saturday. "There's a handful of great organizations in sports and the 49ers are one of them, and Dennis and I have been close for a lot of years."
McMakin, 53, also worked with Erickson as the secondary coach at San Jose State from 1979-81, and as the defensive coordinator at the University of Miami from 1993-94. Texas Tech's defense allowed 31.4 points per game last season and ranked ninth in the Big 12 in total defense.
Erickson has retained eight members of former coach Steve Mariucci's staff. Al Simmons, Oregon State's secondary coach under Erickson, has accepted a job as the 49ers' cornerbacks coach, the Oregonian reported last week. Other Oregon State assistants Erickson is considering bringing with him are assistant head coach Gregg Smith, offensive coordinator Tim Lappano and receivers coach Eric Yarber.
Tell us what you think on the new 49ers Clubhouse message board.
