Report: 49ers to add former coordinators Lewis, Pendergast to defense | The Sacramento Bee

Long-time secondary coach and defensive coordinator Tim Lewis will replace Ed Donatell as the 49ers’ defensive backs coach, FOX Sports reported today.

Secondary coach had been one of the last vacancies on Jim Tomsula’s staff. In addition, FOX reported that Clancy Pendergast, a former defensive coordinator for the Cardinals, will serve as inside linebackers coach. He will work in conjunction with Jason Tarver, another one-time coordinator, who will coach the outside linebackers.

Pendergast, 47, was Arizona’s defensive coordinator from 2004-08 and the Chiefs’ defensive coordinator the year after that. He ran Cal’s defense from 2009-12 and USC’s in 2013. He was out of football last year but interviewed for the recent coordinator opening in Washington that eventually went to Joe Barry. His addition brings the number of 49ers’ assistants with defensive coordinator experience to four: Lewis, Pendergast, Tarver and Eric Mangini.

Lewis, 53, is a former defensive back who played for the Green Bay Packers from 1983 to 1986. He became the Steelers’ defensive backs coach in 1995, working his way up to defensive coordinator in Pittsburgh from 2000-03. He also served as the Giants defensive coordinator (2004-06) before becoming defensive backs coach with the Panthers (2007-08), the Seahawks (2009) and most recently the Falcons.

Donatell, meanwhile, received high marks during his four-year stint as 49ers’ defensive backs coach. The team led the league in interceptions this past season and tied for the league lead in takeaways in 2011. He and former 49ers defensive coordinator Vic Fangio are now with the Bears.

The 49ers have yet to announce any of their hires. However, the staff is believed to be composed like this:

Head coach: Jim Tomsula

Offensive coordinator: Geep Chryst

Quarterbacks coach: Steve Logan

Offensive line: Chris Foerster

Assistant offensive line: Eric Wolford

Wide receivers: Unknown (Ronald Curry possible)

Running backs: Tom Rathman

Tight ends: Tony Sparano

Defensive coordinator: Eric Mangini

Secondary: Tim Lewis

Outside linebackers: Jason Tarver

Inside linebackers: Clancy Pendergast

Defensive line: Scott Brown

Assistant defensive line: Aubrayo Franklin

Special teams coordinator: Thomas McGaughey