Longtime NFL quarterback Brian Griese is joining the San Francisco 49ers as their quarterbacks coach, leaving behind ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” booth, multiple media outlets reported Friday night.
Griese, who turns 47 this month, will take on a coaching role for the first time. The son of quarterback Bob Griese spent an 11-year playing career with the Denver Broncos (1998-2002), Miami Dolphins (2003), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2004-05, 2008) and Chicago Bears (2006-07).
In 93 career games (83 starts), Griese threw for 19,440 yards, 119 touchdowns and 99 interceptions with a 62.7 percent career completion rate. He was a Pro Bowler in 2000.
Griese spent two seasons in the ESPN broadcast booth with play-by-play announcer Steve Levy and fellow analyst Louis Riddick. ESPN is reportedly pursuing Fox’s Troy Aikman in an effort to overhaul its “Monday Night Football” broadcast.
Riddick interviewed for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ general manager opening earlier this week, further hinting at a shakeup at ESPN.
Griese fills a vacancy on the 49ers’ staff that opened when Rich Scangarello exited last month to become the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the University of Kentucky.
The 49ers are coming off an NFC Championship Game appearance. They are expected to trade starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and elevate Trey Lance, the #3 overall pick in the 2021 draft, to take his place.