San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has made a significant addition to his coaching staff by hiring Roman Sapolu, the son of the legendary 49ers player Jesse Sapolu. The elder Sapolu, known for his remarkable contributions to the franchise, won four Super Bowl championships and earned Pro Bowl honors twice as an offensive lineman.
Roman Sapolu’s journey within the realm of football coaching began with his participation in the 49ers’ Bill Walsh NFL Diversity Coaching Fellowship in 2018, which allowed him to gain invaluable experience within the San Francisco organization. Following this, he took on the role of offensive line coach at Idaho State, and subsequently served as the offensive line coach and run game coordinator at Fresno State from 2019 to 2021.
Continuing to bolster his coaching credentials, Sapolu joined the University of Hawai’i, where he started as an offensive line coach in 2022 before being elevated to co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach in 2023. In 2024, he progressed to the NFL as an offensive assistant with the Miami Dolphins.
Before embarking on his coaching career, Roman Sapolu played college football as an interior offensive lineman at Oregon State from 2010 to 2014. His appointment not only pays homage to his father’s legacy but also signals the 49ers’ commitment to nurturing talent and fostering connections within the franchise’s storied history. This development presents an exciting opportunity for both Sapolu and the 49ers, as they aim to build on their success with fresh perspectives and experienced guidance.