Kyle Shanahan Welcomes Roman Sapolu to the 49ers Coaching Staff
The San Francisco 49ers are bolstering their coaching staff with a familiar name and a promising talent. According to reports from Aaron Wilson of KRPC, the team is adding Miami Dolphins assistant Roman Sapolu to their ranks. This move adds another layer of expertise to Kyle Shanahan’s already formidable offensive team.
A Legacy of 49ers Excellence
What makes this addition particularly noteworthy is Roman Sapolu’s lineage. He is the son of Jesse Sapolu, a revered figure in 49ers history. Jesse Sapolu was a cornerstone of the 49ers offensive line for 15 seasons (1983-1997), starting in 154 games and contributing to four Super Bowl victories. Drafted in the 11th round of the 1983 NFL Draft, Jesse Sapolu became synonymous with 49ers toughness and reliability.
Roman Sapolu’s Coaching Journey
Roman Sapolu brings a diverse and ascending coaching resume to the 49ers. He recently served as an offensive assistant with the Miami Dolphins in 2024, honing his skills under head coach Mike McDaniel. Prior to his time in Miami, Sapolu demonstrated his leadership at Hawaii, initially as an offensive line coach for two years before being promoted to co-offensive coordinator.
His coaching experience also includes a stint at Fresno State (2019-2021) where he served as the offensive line coach. Notably, Sapolu previously spent a summer with the 49ers in 2018 as part of the NFL’s Minority Coaching Fellowship, gaining valuable experience working with the offensive line. He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Nebraska from 2015-2017, following a four-year playing career at Oregon State.
49ers Coaching Staff Adjustments
The 49ers have experienced some changes on the coaching front this offseason, with Robert Saleh and Gus Bradley departing for the Tennessee Titans. Daniel Bullocks also moved on to the Green Bay Packers. However, the core of the offensive staff, including offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, remains intact under Kyle Shanahan, a testament to the team’s success and stability on that side of the ball.
The addition of Roman Sapolu represents a strategic move by Kyle Shanahan to further strengthen the 49ers’ coaching staff, blending a promising young coach with a deep connection to the team’s storied past. This move signals a continued commitment to excellence as the 49ers aim for another Super Bowl run. You can find more information about the 49ers coaching staff on the official 49ers website.
