49ers Promote From Within to Replace Tight Ends Coach Lost to Seahawks OC Job

The San Francisco 49ers have made a significant move within their coaching staff following the departure of longtime tight ends coach Brian Fleury, who recently left to become the Seattle Seahawks’ offensive coordinator. Fleury’s exit marks a shift for the 49ers as they look to fill the void in a critical position. However, instead of bringing in an external candidate, the 49ers have chosen to promote from within, elevating assistant offensive line coach Cameron Clemmons to the role of tight ends coach for the 2026 season.

Fleury’s Departure: A Significant Loss for the 49ers

Brian Fleury’s departure to the Seahawks represents a loss for the 49ers, as he had been with the team since 2019. Fleury initially joined the 49ers as a defensive quality control coach after his tenure with the Miami Dolphins, where he gained experience working on the defensive side of the ball. However, under head coach Kyle Shanahan, Fleury’s role took a sharp turn, with Shanahan making the decision to switch him to an offensive quality control coach for two years. This change proved to be a successful one, and Fleury was promoted to tight ends coach in 2022.

Fleury’s contributions to the 49ers were substantial. He not only coached tight ends for the past two seasons but also took on the added responsibility of run game coordinator in 2024 after Chris Foerster’s promotion to assistant head coach. Fleury’s steady rise through the coaching ranks, alongside the continued development of tight ends like George Kittle, made him a highly regarded coach in San Francisco, eventually leading to his new position with the Seahawks as their offensive coordinator.

Clemmons’ Rapid Rise: A Fresh Opportunity for the 49ers

With Fleury’s departure creating a vacancy in the tight ends coaching position, the 49ers have opted to promote Cameron Clemmons from within the organization. Clemmons had been serving as the assistant offensive line coach for the past two seasons, and his promotion to tight ends coach represents a fast rise in his coaching career. Clemmons brings a wealth of experience to the role, having spent several years in coaching positions at both the collegiate and professional levels.

Clemmons’ coaching career began in 2015 when he joined Eastern Kentucky as an offensive intern. From there, his journey took him to the University of Tennessee, where he worked as a graduate assistant and later as an offensive quality control analyst. Clemmons’ time at Tennessee laid the foundation for his future success, which ultimately led him to the 49ers in 2021.

As a former offensive lineman himself, Clemmons brings a unique perspective to the tight ends position, where blocking plays a key role. His coaching experience with the offensive line, combined with his understanding of the intricacies of tight end play, will be a valuable asset as he works with the 49ers’ tight ends in 2026.

The Tight Ends Group: Clemmons’ New Challenge

Clemmons will inherit a group of tight ends with varying levels of experience, led by superstar George Kittle. Kittle, who has been one of the NFL’s most dynamic and versatile tight ends, is currently recovering from a torn Achilles, which will present a challenge for Clemmons in the early stages of the 2026 season. The 49ers will be hoping for Kittle’s full recovery, as his health and production are pivotal to their offensive success.

Alongside Kittle, Clemmons will work with tight ends Luke Farrell and Brayden Willis, both of whom have shown promise but are still looking to establish themselves in the league. Additionally, Hayden Rucci is also part of the group, currently on a reserve/futures contract. Clemmons will have to assess the potential of each player and develop them to ensure they can contribute to the offense in a meaningful way.

With the 49ers’ offensive system revolving around the tight end position as a key part of their blocking and passing schemes, Clemmons’ ability to bring out the best in his group will be crucial. His ability to develop both the physical and mental aspects of the tight end role will determine how well the 49ers perform offensively, especially with Kittle’s health a key factor.

The Future of the 49ers’ Tight Ends Under Clemmons

As the 49ers move forward with Cameron Clemmons taking over as tight ends coach, there is a sense of optimism surrounding the decision. Clemmons’ promotion not only rewards him for his hard work and dedication but also signals the 49ers’ confidence in their internal development system. Given his background as an offensive lineman, Clemmons is well-equipped to integrate tight ends into the 49ers’ run-heavy offense while also utilizing their pass-catching abilities in key situations.

The 49ers are entering a critical season in their pursuit of an NFC Championship, and the development of their tight ends will be integral to that goal. Clemmons now finds himself at the helm of a talented but challenging group, with the hopes of the 49ers’ offensive success resting on his shoulders. If Clemmons can help Kittle bounce back fully from his injury and get the most out of the younger players in the tight end room, the 49ers’ offense could take a major step forward in 2026.

The pressure is on for Clemmons, but with his rapid rise and the support of the coaching staff, he’s in a strong position to make a significant impact as the 49ers’ new tight ends coach. The South Side of San Francisco will be watching closely as Clemmons navigates this new challenge and attempts to build a formidable tight ends group that can contribute to the team’s long-term success.