Overview
- Brian Gutekunst said the organization’s singular goal is to win championships and maintained belief the roster can reach that level.
- Following extensions for Gutekunst, coach Matt LaFleur and executive Russ Ball, the GM publicly backed LaFleur as the coach to lead the turnaround.
- He indicated special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia is expected back, suggested competition at kicker while likely keeping Brandon McManus through his March bonus, and noted improved coverage units despite a poor playoff performance.
- Roster calls on high-paid underperformers Aaron Banks, Nate Hobbs and Rashan Gary remain under review, with Gutekunst saying players under contract should be expected back as March roster-bonus dates near.
- New defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon has not set a 3-4 or 4-3 base and will tailor the scheme to current personnel, as injuries to Micah Parsons and Tucker Kraft factored into the late collapse and plans include Kraft extension talks and Zach Tom’s rehab timeline.