Earlier this week, the San Francisco 49ers hired longtime Seattle Seahawks linebacker K.J. Wright to their coaching staff.
In his new role, Wright will serve as the assistant linebackers coach and defensive quality control coach for new 49ers defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen.
Wright played for a decade in Seattle, so it was surprising to some people to see him flip to an NFC West rival so early into his retirement. One former Seahawks teammate, in particular, didn’t approve of his decision to join the 49ers’ coaching staff.
Bruce Irvin Rips K.J. Wright for Joining 49ers Coaching Staff
Seahawks legend and 2012 first-round draft pick, Bruce Irvin, who played six seasons in Seattle, was very upset by the news of Wright taking a coaching position on San Francisco’s defensive staff.
“Terrible! I hate the Niners,” Irvin said in a social media post. “I would never ever work with that city in any kind of way! Permanent opps 4life!”
Bruce Irvin doesn't seem to like former Seahawks going to the 49ers….
'Permanent opps 4life!!' pic.twitter.com/xstrDYmSp2
— Sports ON Tap Seattle (@SeattleONTap)
Irvin and Wright spent plenty of time playing together against those “opps” in San Francisco. But now, with Sorensen as defensive coordinator, Wright received an opportunity to step into a coaching role in retirement.
Wright noted on his podcast, KJ All Day, that joining the 49ers’ coaching staff is not meant to be a sign of disrespect to the Seahawks.
“This isn’t some vendetta move,” Wright explained on the podcast. “This is a really cool opportunity for me.”
Wright was drafted in the fourth round by the Seahawks in 2011 and spent 10 seasons in Seattle before finishing his career with the Las Vegas Raiders. He was a key member of the “Legion of Boom” defense that helped Seattle win Super Bowl XLVIII against the Denver Broncos.
Irvin was also a key member of that Super Bowl-winning Seahawks defense but also spent time in his career with the Raiders, Falcons, Dolphins, Panthers, Bears, and Lions. While Irvin played for a myriad of other teams, he’s a man of his word and stayed out of that NFC West.
After losing the Super Bowl to the Kansas City Chiefs, the 49ers have left no stone unturned in overhauling their defensive staff, and adding Wright is a prime example of those sweeping changes. Additionally, Kyle Shanahan hired former Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley as an assistant head coach.
KEEP READING: 49ers WR Deebo Samuel Rips Brandon Aiyuk Trade Rumors
Over the course of his successful NFL career, Wright was 13-5 against the 49ers. Irvin, however, was just 4-5 against San Francisco.
Miss football? The 2024 NFL Draft is almost here, boss. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!
