San Francisco’s offseason focus on strengthening the trenches appears to be taking shape with a new coaching addition aimed at stabilizing quarterback Brock Purdy’s protection. The 49ers are expected to bring Kent State offensive line coach Angel Matute onto their offensive staff, according to CBS Sports reporter Matt Zenitz.
Matute’s recent work at Kent State showed measurable gains in both pass protection and the run game. The Golden Flashes lowered their sacks allowed total by 16 compared with the previous season, while the ground attack improved by 20 rushing yards per game in 2025.
The 49ers surrendered 27 sacks during the season. Purdy absorbed 11 of them and missed eight games because of injury. During that same stretch, backup quarterback Mac Jones started eight games and was sacked 16 times.
Better blocking could also help the rushing attack regain efficiency. Running back Christian McCaffrey surpassed the 1,000-yard mark again, though the production came with a modest 3.9 yards per carry average. Improved protection and run blocking could create more consistent rushing lanes as the 2026 campaign approaches.
Matute is not entirely new to the organization. He previously spent time with the San Francisco through the Bill Walsh NFL Diversity Coaching Fellowship in 2024.
With Cameron Clemmons shifting from assistant offensive line coach to tight ends coach and Chris Foerster remaining in charge of the offensive line, Matute’s arrival adds another developmental voice as the franchise works to keep Purdy upright and its offense balanced.
Angel Matute’s coaching path and the 49ers’ broader offensive line priorities
Matute’s coaching career has developed quickly through several college programs, building a reputation in player development and offensive line preparation. Before his season at Kent State, he served as Purdue’s assistant offensive line coach in 2024.
Earlier, he worked at Minnesota from 2022 through 2023 as a graduate assistant. According to the Kent State website, his responsibilities there included involvement in run-game design, protection planning, scout-team leadership, and pressure analysis.
His first coaching position came in 2021 when he joined Missouri as an offensive assistant. That role carried personal significance because Missouri was also the final stop of his playing career before a medical issue forced him to step away from the field.
Matute’s playing journey itself took several turns. Raised in Rancho Cucamonga, California, he initially played quarterback in high school. In college, he began at Golden West College as a tight end, finishing with 15 receptions for 145 yards and two touchdowns while averaging 9.7 yards per catch.
After transferring to Mt. San Antonio College, he moved to the offensive line and earned First Team All-Conference recognition before later transferring to Missouri, where he appeared in one game during the 2019 season.
San Francisco’s interest in offensive line improvement extends beyond coaching hires. The team may address contract discussions with left tackle Trent Williams, a three-time team All-Pro who currently has one season remaining on a three-year, $82.66 million agreement.
Another potential move involves free-agent center Tyler Linderbaum. The Baltimore Ravens standout is a three-time Pro Bowler and recently finished a four-year, $13.23 million contract.
A stronger offensive line would help stabilize the pocket for Purdy and create cleaner rushing opportunities for McCaffrey in the seasons ahead.
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