San Francisco 49ers running backs coach history
Bobby Turner
Turner is the running backs coach for the San Francisco 49ers since the 2017 season, a total of eight years. The team made it to the playoffs four times (2019, 2021-2023) and had a 8-4 record under Coach Turner in playoff games. In 2019, the San Francisco 49ers faced off against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV and the 49ers, under the direction of head coach Kyle Shanahan, lost 20-31. In 2023, the San Francisco 49ers faced off against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII and the 49ers, under the direction of head coach Kyle Shanahan, lost 22-25.
Anthony Lynn
Lynn was the running backs coach for the San Francisco 49ers in the 2022-2023 seasons, a total of two years. Lynn's record as the team's running backs coach was 25-9-0, making him the third-most successful running backs coach in San Francisco 49ers history. The team made it to the playoffs two times (2022-2023) and had a 4-2 record under Coach Lynn in playoff games. In 2023, the San Francisco 49ers faced off against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII and the 49ers, under the direction of head coach Kyle Shanahan, lost 22-25.
Tom Rathman
Rathman was the running backs coach for the San Francisco 49ers in the 1997-2002, 2009-2016 seasons, a total of fourteen years. The team made it to the playoffs seven times (1997-1998, 2001-2002, 2011-2013) and had a 8-7 record under Coach Rathman in playoff games. In 2012, the San Francisco 49ers faced off against the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII and the 49ers, under the direction of head coach Jim Harbaugh, lost 31-34.
Tony Nathan
Nathan was the running backs coach for the San Francisco 49ers in the 2008 season.
Bishop Harris
Harris was the running backs coach for the San Francisco 49ers in the 2005-2007 seasons, a total of three years. Harris' record as the team's running backs coach was 16-32-0, making him the second-least successful running backs coach in San Francisco 49ers history.
Tim Lappano
Lappano was the running backs coach for the San Francisco 49ers in the 2003-2004 seasons, a total of two years. Lappano's record as the team's running backs coach was 9-23-0, making him the least successful running backs coach in San Francisco 49ers history.
Carl Jackson
Jackson was the running backs coach for the San Francisco 49ers in the 1992-1996 seasons, a total of five years. Jackson's record as the team's running backs coach was 60-20-0, making him the second-most successful running backs coach in San Francisco 49ers history. The team made it to the playoffs five times (1992-1996) and had a 6-4 record under Coach Jackson in playoff games. In 1994, the San Francisco 49ers faced off against the San Diego Chargers in Super Bowl XXIX and the 49ers, under the direction of head coach George Seifert, won 49-26.
Ray Sherman
Sherman was the running backs coach for the San Francisco 49ers in the 1991 season.
Al Lavan
Lavan was the running backs coach for the San Francisco 49ers in the 1989-1990 seasons, a total of two years. Lavan's record as the team's running backs coach was 28-4-0, making him the most successful running backs coach in San Francisco 49ers history. The team made it to the playoffs two times (1989-1990) and had a 4-1 record under Coach Lavan in playoff games. In 1989, the San Francisco 49ers faced off against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXIV and the 49ers, under the direction of head coach George Seifert, won 55-10.
Sherman Lewis
Lewis was the running backs coach for the San Francisco 49ers in the 1983-1988 seasons, a total of six years. The team made it to the playoffs six times (1983-1988) and had a 7-4 record under Coach Lewis in playoff games. In 1984, the San Francisco 49ers faced off against the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl XIX and the 49ers, under the direction of head coach Bill Walsh, won 38-16. In 1988, the San Francisco 49ers faced off against the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl XXIII and the 49ers, under the direction of head coach Bill Walsh, won 20-16.
Billie Matthews
Matthews was the running backs coach for the San Francisco 49ers in the 1979-1982 seasons, a total of four years. The team made it to the playoffs one time (1981) and had a 3-0 record under Coach Matthews in playoff games. In 1981, the San Francisco 49ers faced off against the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl XVI and the 49ers, under the direction of head coach Bill Walsh, won 26-21.
Doug Gerhart
Gerhart was the running backs coach for the San Francisco 49ers in the 1977 season. Gerhart's record as the team's running backs coach was 5-9-0, making him the third-least successful running backs coach in San Francisco 49ers history.
Jim Spavital
Spavital was the running backs coach for the San Francisco 49ers in the 1976 season.
San Francisco 49ers running backs coach record
| Coach | Years | Record | Win percentage | Playoff record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bobby Turner | 2017-2024 | 70-60-0 | 53.8% | 8-4 |
| Anthony Lynn | 2022-2023 | 25-9-0 | 73.5% | 4-2 |
| Tom Rathman | 1997-2002, 2009-2016 | 122-101-1 | 54.7% | 8-7 |
| Tony Nathan | 2008 | 7-9-0 | 43.8% | 0-0 |
| Bishop Harris | 2005-2007 | 16-32-0 | 33.3% | 0-0 |
| Tim Lappano | 2003-2004 | 9-23-0 | 28.1% | 0-0 |
| Carl Jackson | 1992-1996 | 60-20-0 | 75.0% | 6-4 |
| Ray Sherman | 1991 | 10-6-0 | 62.5% | 0-0 |
| Al Lavan | 1989-1990 | 28-4-0 | 87.5% | 4-1 |
| Sherman Lewis | 1983-1988 | 68-26-1 | 72.1% | 7-4 |
| Billie Matthews | 1979-1982 | 24-33-0 | 42.1% | 3-0 |
| Doug Gerhart | 1977 | 5-9-0 | 35.7% | 0-0 |
| Jim Spavital | 1976 | 8-6-0 | 57.1% | 0-0 |
San Francisco 49ers running backs coach facts
- Jim Spavital was the first running backs coach in 49ers history in 1976.
- Tom Rathman coached the most seasons as the 49ers's running backs coach at fourteen seasons.
- Bobby Turner is the current running backs coach, starting ahead of the 2017 season.