National Football League

49ers hire former Browns defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil

Published Jan. 27, 2016 6:58 p.m. ET

foxsports

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) New San Francisco 49ers coach Chip Kelly finally found a defensive coordinator, hiring former Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil on Wednesday.

Naming his top defensive coach became the biggest task for Kelly, an offensive-minded coach hired Jan. 14 to replace the fired Jim Tomsula.

Curtis Modkins was named as offensive coordinator and Derius Swinton II as special teams coordinator.

O'Neil will be challenged to once again make the defense one of the NFL's best as had been the case in previous seasons.

Modkins was running backs coach and run game coordinator for the Lions from 2013-15 following three years as the Bills' offensive coordinator and running backs coach.

Running backs coach Tom Rathman and outside linebackers coach Jason Tarver both remain from Tomsula's staff.

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