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Just-hired Norton leaves 49ers to become Seahawks DC

Those who blinked missed the Ken Norton Jr. era with the 49ers.

On Monday, a week after the 49ers announced Norton’s hiring, their just-named defensive assistant reversed course and accepted a position as the Seahawks defensive coordinator, KING 5 News in Seattle reported. Norton had an escape clause in his 49ers’ contract that allowed him to leave for the Seahawks’ post, the NFL Network reported. Seattle had an opening after parting with defensive coordinator Kris Richard.

Said 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan in a statement: “Last week, Ken was presented with an opportunity to once again coordinate a defense.