Joe Staley: ‘Kyle’s trying to get me up there to work on his staff’

Former 49ers left tackle Joe Staley didn’t go far from the organization after his retirement following the 2019 season. He was still visible on social media and in interviews, and it was clear Staley had a place with the organization whenever he wanted it. The long-time left tackle revealed on 95.7 the Game in San Francisco that head coach Kyle Shanahan is angling to get Staley on the coaching staff.

In an interview with the Morning Roast, Staley said despite Shanahan’s efforts, he’s not quite ready to join the coaching ranks after a 13-year NFL career.

“I know Kyle’s trying to get me up there to work on his staff, but I’m not ready to do the coaching thing yet,” Staley said. “I’m really honestly just enjoying the time that I have with my family right now. I have two young girls, seven and four, and we’re enjoying spending a ton of time together. I’m catching up on all the time I missed while playing football and I’m not in a huge hurry to get back into something.”

The 49ers drafted Staley in the first round in 2007, and he was a mainstay on their offensive line for 13 years. Shanahan coached him for three seasons, and the fact he’s already trying to get Staley on his staff speaks volumes about the impact the left tackle has.

Coaching requires perhaps a larger commitment than playing, so committing to such an undertaking would certainly require him to spend even more time away from his family. A different role may better suit Staley for the time being if he does want to get back into the game without becoming a coach.

The team could benefit from having him around, and he has the cachet to keep that door open for as long as he’s even remotely interested in possibly rejoining the organization.