“The 49ers’ takeaways soared over the past two seasons with Sorensen on staff. He was tasked with coming up with ways to emphasize generating turnovers, and the 49ers excelled in that area, with 42 interceptions while surrendering just 40 touchdown passes.
Staley met with Shanahan and 49ers general manager John Lynch and had an impressive interview. Shanahan and Lynch first spent time with Staley in August 2021, when the 49ers and Chargers met in Costa Mesa for a couple of days of joint practices leading up to their preseason game.
Shanahan and Lynch were impressed by Staley’s knowledge of the game and his way of expressing his perspective.