John Lynch Opens Up About Departure of Brian Griese

San Francisco has elevated former senior offensive assistant Mick Lombardi to Griese's old position. Griese's firing curiously came not long after he denied an interview with the New York Jets for their then-vacant head coaching position. 

General manager John Lynch noted at the NFL Scouting Combine last week that Griese's decision to leave the 49ers was his own decision.

“I think ‘Grease’ was in a different world and he had given it some thought on the front end,” Lynch said. “At the time, he gave us a three-year commitment. He’s a very principled guy. As often does, I think family and certain other things... I don’t want to speak for Brian, but other things were pulling at him. I respect that he made a tough decision, but one he thought was best for him and his family.”

Lynch also stated that while Griese stepped away himself, he wanted some time to "see where it goes again.”

“I don’t want to speak for Brian, but we had good conversations,” Lynch said. “It’s all good, it was just a family decision that he made.”

Before joining the Niners, Griese served as an analyst for ESPN's Monday Night Football.

Brock Purdy is fresh off his worst season as a pro - in a contract season - and it seems Griese, not Purdy, will take the fall for that, as the team possibly thinks the former Iowa State quarterback needs a different voice in his ear.

Last season, Purdy threw for 3,864 yards while completing 65.9 percent of his passes with 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

Griese has been Purdy's quarterbacks coach since he was drafted last overall by the organization.