Hiring Brandon Staley as an assistant coach is a good idea in theory.
He's supposed to be a shadow coach. Which means he probably won't talk to the media or interact much with the players. Instead, he'll help first year defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen.
During the season, Staley can help Sorensen game plan for opposing offenses because Staley has experience doing that and Sorensen doesn't. In addition, during games while Sorensen calls plays from the sideline, Staley can be his eyes from the coach's booth.
Having Staley as a resource should only help Sorensen. But again, that's just in theory.
Staley easily can undermine Sorensen's authority if he's not careful. Because the players want to know who's really running the defense. And if Staley ever corrects Sorensen in front of the players, Sorensen will lose them.
That's why Staley can't be in the meetings during the week or on the sideline during games. He can't be anywhere near Sorensen and the players. Because as soon as Staley shows up, he will look like Sorensen's boss or babysitter.
Staley has to be a ghost. A mere voice in Sorensen's head. Which is tricky, because Staley wants to advance his career, too. Does he really want to fade into the background and be a defensive assistant on the 49ers forever while Sorensen becomes a star? Or does Staley want to become a defensive coordinator again soon?
We'll see if Staley can resist the spotlight. The season depends on him being completely invisible.
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