Colts to interview Seely today for coaching job

SANTA CLARA – The 49ers' special teams units were arguably the best in the league this season, and at least one other team has taken notice.

The Colts, who last week parted ways with head coach Jim Caldwell, are considering Brad Seely as a possible replacement and will interview the 49ers special teams coach today.

This past season was Seely's first with the 49ers. The 22-year coaching veteran was given the additional title of assistant head coach, and he served as Jim Harbaugh's adviser and sounding board on the sideline on game days.

Seely is one of several Colts candidates, including former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel, former Vikings coach Brad Childress, Ravens defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano, Saints offensive line coach Aaron Kromer and Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray.

Hiring a special teams coach to run a team is rare but not unprecedented.

John Harbaugh had that job in Philadelphia before being hired by the Ravens.

The cerebral Seely – nicknamed "The Professor" by his players – also is well-respected around the league.

Seely's NFL coaching career began with the Colts, and he's had stops in New England and Cleveland.

The 49ers made special teams a priority during the offseason, and they signed Seely, kicker David Akers and coverage ace Blake Costanzo to bolster that approach.

San Francisco's coverage units were among the best in the league, and Akers set a regular-season NFL record by kicking 44 field goals. Akers, punter Andy Lee and long snapper Brian Jennings will represent the 49ers at Sunday's Pro Bowl.

Should Seely depart, there's a chance he would take others with him.

Costanzo, who played for Seely with the Browns, will be a free agent, as will two other special teams regulars, C.J. Spillman and Tavares Gooden.

Spillman is an exclusive rights free agent and likely will back with the 49ers.

In addition, the Colts are expected to draft Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck with the No. 1 overall pick, and many of the offensive assistants on the 49ers – including offensive coordinator Greg Roman – worked with Luck at Stanford.

No go for Gore – Three 49ers have pulled out of the Pro Bowl because of medical concerns, including running back Frank Gore.

Gore has not been on the 49ers injury report since Week 13. The Seahawks' website – Seattle runner Marshawn Lynch will replace Gore – reported Gore dropped out because of an "illness."

Meanwhile, defensive starters Dashon Goldson and Carlos Rogers also will not take part in the Pro Bowl because of injuries. Goldson was battling an ankle injury over the last two games. Rogers had played through a knee injury that began bothering him at midseason.

Both players were voted to the Pro Bowl for the first time this year, and both are pending free agents who likely want to be at full strength when free agency begins March 13.

Seven signed – The 49ers signed most of their practice squad to future contracts that will go into effect when the new league year begins.

Contracts – they are usually two-year deals – were signed by center Chase Beeler, tackle Derek Hall, cornerback Cory Nelms, tight end Konrad Reuland and linebacker Michael Wilhoite.

In addition, free safety Mark LeGree, who spent time on the practice squad during the season, was signed. As previously reported, long snapper Kyle Nelson signed a future deal.

The three practice squad players who were not signed to future deals were wide receiver John Matthews and outside linebackers Monte Simmons and Ricky Elmore.

• Read more articles by Matthew Barrows

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