Adam Schefter of NFL.com is reporting that the 49ers will have two visitors this weekend, former Rams coach Scott Linehan and outgoing Browns offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski. The former was a hot name last year after the Browns put up 402 points behind a potent passing attack and good late-season running by Jamal Lewis. The hiccup for both candidates is that neither exactly comes into 2009 with a lot of momentum. Linehan, of course, was fired after four games while Chudzinski's Browns were second-worst in total offense. You also have to wonder whether Mike Singletary and Chudzinski see eye-to-eye as far as philosophy. Singletary wants to run the ball; The Browns run-pass ratio over the last two seasons suggest Chudzinski likes to pass.
Chudzinski became the Browns' offensive coordinator last season.
Year ............. total offense.........rushing.........passing.......total points
2006................31st....................31st..............23rd............30th (238)
2007.................8th.....................10th.............12th ............8th (402)
2008................31st....................26th.............31st.............30th (232)
One of the things the 49ers might find appealing is his background with tight ends. He's coached that unit three times -- at the University of Miami, with Cleveland and with the San Diego Chargers. Tight end Antonio Gates caught 10 touchdowns and had more than 1,100 receiving yards his first season under Chudzinski in San Diego. Kellen Winslow, Jr. had more than 1,100 receiving yards with Chudzinski as his offensive coordinator in 2007. The 49ers used a very high draft pick on Vernon Davis - 6th overall--and frankly haven't gotten what they wanted out of him. Having someone like Chudzinski presumably would help them get more bang for their buck. Chudzinski also was Frank Gore's offensive coordinator at Miami.
Landing Chudzinski also would create an intriguing possibility involving quarterback Derek Anderson with whom Chudzinski enjoyed roaring success in 2007. Anderson fell behind Brady Quinn in the pecking order this year. He will still be under contract with the Browns but the word "trade" has been bandied about frequently in conjunction to his name. The 49ers, meanwhile, seem poised to add at least one quarterback in the offseason. Just throwing it out there ...
-- Matt Barrows
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