NFC West Notebook: 49ers Coaching Moves, Stafford’s Optimism, and Darnold’s Redemption Arc
As the NFL offseason heats up, there’s no shortage of storylines coming out of the NFC West. From potential coaching hires in San Francisco to a quarterback who just won the Super Bowl after being written off by many, there’s a lot to unpack. Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening with the 49ers, Rams, and Seahawks.
49ers Staying the Course on Defense - and Eyeing Familiar Faces
New 49ers defensive coordinator Raheem Morris isn’t coming in with a wrecking ball. From everything we’re hearing, Morris plans to keep the foundation of San Francisco’s defense intact.
That’s notable for a unit that’s been among the league’s best in recent years. Don’t expect a wholesale scheme overhaul - think more of a strategic evolution than a revolution.
One position still up in the air is the secondary coach role. A name to watch?
Joe Woods. He’s currently the Raiders’ pass game coordinator, but he’s no stranger to the Bay Area.
Woods served as the 49ers’ defensive backs coach back in 2019, and there’s a sense that a reunion could be on the table. A decision could come soon - possibly by the end of the week.
On the quarterback front, the 49ers may be looking at a trade market for Mac Jones that’s stronger than some might expect. The comparison being floated is Sam Darnold’s trajectory - from backup in San Francisco to Super Bowl champ in Seattle.
If that’s the template, teams in need of a signal-caller might be willing to pay up. A second-round pick could be enough to get the 49ers to bite, though a third-rounder with a little extra incentive might also get the deal done.
If San Francisco does move on from Jones, expect them to target another reclamation project to back up Brock Purdy. The Niners have shown they’re not afraid to take chances on talented quarterbacks who’ve hit a few bumps along the way.
Stafford Believes in Rams’ Youth Movement
Matthew Stafford isn’t ready to ride off into the sunset just yet - far from it. The veteran quarterback is energized by the Rams’ current roster and especially encouraged by the growth he’s seen from the team’s younger players.
“We have a young group in some spots, and watching those guys mature and come into their own has been really fun and rewarding,” Stafford said. “There’s definitely more room for growth and maturity from all of our team.”
Stafford’s looking ahead to 2026 with optimism, hoping the Rams can retain the core of what worked in 2025 and build on it. Continuity is key, especially for a team that’s been in transition since its Super Bowl run. If the Rams’ youth continues to develop and Stafford stays healthy, they could be a dark horse in the NFC once again.
Darnold’s Redemption Story Reaches Its Peak in Seattle
Sam Darnold’s journey has been anything but linear, but it just reached its most triumphant chapter yet: leading the Seahawks to a Super Bowl title. For a player who’s been labeled a bust, traded multiple times, and doubted at nearly every turn, it’s a stunning turnaround.
Seattle head coach Mike Macdonald summed it up simply: “He’s a ballplayer.” That’s high praise - and a telling distinction. Macdonald emphasized that Darnold isn’t just a quarterback by title; he’s a competitor who earned the respect of his teammates through grit and consistency.
“He’s one of the guys,” Macdonald said. “What he did every day, it was magnetic.”
Veteran defensive lineman Leonard Williams has had a front-row seat to Darnold’s evolution, from their shared USC days to overlapping time with the Jets. What stands out to Williams isn’t just Darnold’s arm or athleticism - it’s his resilience.
“He’s had a lot of doubters throughout his career,” Williams said. “People calling him a bust or whatever you want to say.
But he didn’t let that affect him. That’s why he’s in the position he’s in now.”
Darnold himself pointed to his support system - especially his family and fiancée - as the anchor that kept him grounded through the ups and downs.
“Seeing my family was huge,” Darnold said. “Being able to hug my dad and tell him the reason I’m here is because of his belief - that was a moment.”
It’s the kind of full-circle story that’s rare in the NFL. Darnold didn’t just survive the league’s churn - he conquered it. And now, with a Lombardi Trophy in hand, he’s rewritten the narrative on his own terms.
Bottom Line
The NFC West is shaping up to be one of the league’s most compelling divisions yet again. The 49ers are tweaking rather than overhauling, the Rams are betting on internal growth, and the Seahawks are riding high on a redemption arc for the ages. With free agency and the draft around the corner, buckle up - this division isn’t done making headlines.