49ers coach discusses expectations for Jake Moody, plan to support struggling kicker

Jake Moody has become a polarizing figure among San Francisco 49ers fans. The kicker struggled significantly during the 2024 season—his second in the NFL—leading many in the fanbase to call for the team to move on from the former third-round pick.

Despite the vocal criticism, Moody remains on the roster and will look to bounce back from an injury-plagued campaign in which he missed 10 field-goal attempts. He battled an ankle injury for much of the season, likely contributing to his inconsistency.

"Definitely probably one of the lowest times in my career, dating back to when I first started football," Moody admitted to reporters late last season, while in the midst of his slump.

In an effort to revamp the special teams unit, the 49ers fired coordinator Brian Schneider and replaced him with Brant Boyer, the longtime New York Jets special teams coach.

On Thursday, Boyer was asked about the team's plan to support Moody as he enters his third NFL season.

"There isn't a special teams coach in this league that didn't have him rated number one coming out, that I know of," Boyer said. "He's as talented a kid as it gets. I think that the injury issue, where he was fighting injuries, going back and forth, I think that had a lot to do with it."

San Francisco also made a change at long snapper, moving on from Tabor Pepper and signing veteran Jon Weeks, one of the most respected players at his position.

"I think us bringing in Weeks is going to help [Moody]," Boyer added. "I think that the kid [will get] his mind right, which I think he's doing. He's doing a hell of a job for us, so far. I think he'll do a heck of a job for us. I really do."

When asked directly whether he expects Moody to be the team's kicker in 2025, Boyer replied, "Well, yeah. I mean, it all comes down to what happens in the preseason and everything, just like in any other position, for sure."

Boyer emphasized that Moody's return to full health is critical and could make all the difference in a potential bounce-back 2025 campaign.