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According to reports, former Cleveland Browns head coach Eric Mangini is returning to the NFL as a Senior Offensive Consultant for the San Francisco 49ers. Since being fired by the Browns after the 2010 season, Mangini worked as an analyst on ESPN. He interviewed with the 49ers last month, but the hiring was not reported until today.
The big question that should be lingering in people's minds is, "wasn't Mangini a defensive guy?" Yes, he was. Digging deeper into his role, though, seems to indicate that he will more so use his knowledge as a defensive coach to scout other teams' defenses, and then relay that information to the offensive guys. With that line of thinking, the role seems to make sense.
The way I understand it, Eric will work with Niners offense to find weaknesses in opposing defenses. Great forward thinking in SF
— Seth Markman (@tunasweasel) June 1, 2013
Great move by the @49ers to hire Eric Mangini as Sr. Offensive Assistant. He will offer great insight on how to attack defensive tactics
— Bucky Brooks (@BuckyBrooks) June 1, 2013
Mangini will be re-united with former Browns special teams coach Brad Seely, kicker Phil Dawson, and quarterback Colt McCoy with the 49ers. You can read the reactions to the hiring of Mangini over at Niners Nation, our 49ers affiliate.