San Francisco 49ers linebackers coach history

Johnny Holland

Holland is the linebackers coach for the San Francisco 49ers since the 2017 season, a total of five years. The team made it to the playoffs three times (2021-2023) and had a 6-3 record under Coach Holland 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.

Clancy Pendergast

Pendergast was the linebackers coach for the San Francisco 49ers in the 2015 season. Pendergast's record as the team's linebackers coach was 5-11-0, making him the third-least successful linebackers coach in San Francisco 49ers history.

Jason Tarver

Tarver was the linebackers coach for the San Francisco 49ers in the 2015 season. Tarver's record as the team's linebackers coach was 5-11-0, making him the third-least successful linebackers coach in San Francisco 49ers history.

Jim Leavitt

Leavitt was the linebackers coach for the San Francisco 49ers in the 2011-2014 seasons, a total of four years. Leavitt's record as the team's linebackers coach was 44-19-1, making him the third-most successful linebackers coach in San Francisco 49ers history. The team made it to the playoffs three times (2011-2013) and had a 5-3 record under Coach Leavitt 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.

Mike Singletary

Singletary was the linebackers coach for the San Francisco 49ers in the 2005-2008 seasons, a total of four years.

Greg McMackin

McMackin was the linebackers coach for the San Francisco 49ers in the 2003-2004 seasons, a total of two years. McMackin's record as the team's linebackers coach was 9-23-0, making him the second-least successful linebackers coach in San Francisco 49ers history.

Richard Smith

Smith was the linebackers coach for the San Francisco 49ers in the 1997-2002 seasons, a total of six years. The team made it to the playoffs four times (1997-1998, 2001-2002) and had a 3-4 record under Coach Smith in playoff games.

John Marshall

Marshall was the linebackers coach for the San Francisco 49ers in the 1994-1996 seasons, a total of three years. Marshall's record as the team's linebackers coach was 36-12-0, making him the second-most successful linebackers coach in San Francisco 49ers history. The team made it to the playoffs three times (1994-1996) and had a 4-2 record under Coach Marshall 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.

Bob Zeman

Zeman was the linebackers coach for the San Francisco 49ers in the 1989-1993 seasons, a total of five years. Zeman's record as the team's linebackers coach was 62-18-0, making him the most successful linebackers coach in San Francisco 49ers history. The team made it to the playoffs four times (1989-1990, 1992-1993) and had a 6-3 record under Coach Zeman 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.

Bill McPherson

McPherson was the linebackers coach for the San Francisco 49ers in the 1979, 1987-1988 seasons, a total of three years. The team made it to the playoffs two times (1987-1988) and had a 3-1 record under Coach McPherson in playoff games. 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.

Norb Hecker

Hecker was the linebackers coach for the San Francisco 49ers in the 1980-1986 seasons, a total of seven years. The team made it to the playoffs five times (1981, 1983-1986) and had a 7-3 record under Coach Hecker 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. 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.

Dan Radakovich

Radakovich was the linebackers coach for the San Francisco 49ers in the 1978 season. Radakovich's record as the team's linebackers coach was 2-14-0, making him the least successful linebackers coach in San Francisco 49ers history.

Ed Beard

Beard was the linebackers coach for the San Francisco 49ers in the 1974-1977 seasons, a total of four years.

Mike Giddings

Giddings was the linebackers coach for the San Francisco 49ers in the 1968-1973 seasons, a total of six years. The team made it to the playoffs three times (1970-1972) and had a 2-3 record under Coach Giddings in playoff games.


San Francisco 49ers linebackers coach record

Coach Years Record Win percentage Playoff record
Johnny Holland 2017, 2021-2024 46-33-0 58.2% 6-3
Jason Tarver 2015 5-11-0 31.3% 0-0
Clancy Pendergast 2015 5-11-0 31.3% 0-0
Jim Leavitt 2011-2014 44-19-1 69.5% 5-3
Mike Singletary 2005-2008 23-41-0 35.9% 0-0
Greg McMackin 2003-2004 9-23-0 28.1% 0-0
Richard Smith 1997-2002 57-39-0 59.4% 3-4
John Marshall 1994-1996 36-12-0 75.0% 4-2
Bob Zeman 1989-1993 62-18-0 77.5% 6-3
Bill McPherson 1979, 1987-1988 25-22-0 53.2% 3-1
Norb Hecker 1980-1986 67-37-1 64.3% 7-3
Dan Radakovich 1978 2-14-0 12.5% 0-0
Ed Beard 1974-1977 24-32-0 42.9% 0-0
Mike Giddings 1968-1973 43-36-5 54.2% 2-3

San Francisco 49ers linebackers coach facts

  • Mike Giddings was the first linebackers coach in 49ers history in 1968.
  • Norb Hecker coached the most seasons as the 49ers's linebackers coach at seven seasons.
  • Johnny Holland is the current linebackers coach, starting ahead of the 2017 season.