In hindsight, there are always signs. Certainly, looking back, the San Francisco 49ers gave us plenty.
The continued turnover of key coaching staff spots, including the firings of defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen and special teams coordinator Brian Schneider in January. The surprise February departure of quarterbacks coach Brian Griese, who was a key figure in San Francisco’s selection of Brock Purdy in the 2022 draft and considered a rising head coaching candidate. There was the trading of wideout Deebo Samuel less than two weeks ago, and the pervasive buzz across the league that some inside the 49ers franchise regret the massive contract extension of receiver Brandon Aiyuk.