Report: Eric Mangini to direct 49ers defense; Tony Sparano to coach tight ends (w/video)

SANTA CLARA - After working with the 49ers offense the past two seasons, Eric Mangini will return to his defensive roots and become the 49ers defensive coordinator, ESPN reported Thursday.

Mangini won three Super Bowl rings as the New England Patriots’ defensive backs coach from 2000-04 before becoming their defensive coordinator in 2005. He was head coach of the New York Jets (2006-08) and Cleveland Browns (2009-10) before working as an ESPN analyst in 2011-12.

Mangini also drew consideration for defensive coordinator roles with the Raiders and Washington.

He joined the 49ers in 2013 as an offensive consultant. Last season, he became the tight ends coach, a role that will be filled by former Raiders interim coach Tony Sparano, ESPN also reported.

The 49ers have not announced any staff changes since promoting Jim Tomsula to head coach Jan. 14.

Former 49ers defensive coordinator Vic Fangio was released from his contract upon Tomsula’s hiring as head coach, and Fangio became the Chicago Bears defensive coordinator on Tuesday.

Under Fangio, the 49ers defense perennially ranked among the top five in fewest yards allowed and top 10 in scoring.

Sparano, meanwhile, was a finalist to remain as Raiders coach but got beaten out last week by Jack Del Rio. The Raiders went 3-9 last season once they replaced Dennis Allen with Sparano, who’ll inherit a tight ends unit that had an unproductive and injury plagued 2014.

It remains to be seen what offensive coordinator will be working with Sparano, although top candidates are Rob Chudzinski (Indianapolis Colts special assistant) and Lane Kiffin (University of Alabama offensive coordinator).

The 49ers tight ends struggled mightily this past season. Ninth-year veteran Vernon Davis had a career-low 245 yards and two touchdowns. Davis was hindered by injuries, as were backups Derek Carrier, Vance McDonald and Garrett Celek, who combined for just 13 receptions.

Sparano, 53, was identified as a candidate for the 49ers staff on Wednesday by the Sacramento Bee. After coaching tight ends with Washington (2001) and Jacksonville (2002), he held that role with Dallas in 2003-04 during star tight end Jason Witten’s first two seasons.

Sparano left as the Cowboys offensive line coach in 2008 to become head coach of the Miami Dolphins, where he compiled a 29-32 record before getting fired after a 4-9 start in 2011. Sparano was the New York Jets offensive coordinator in 2012, and he joined the Raiders in 2013 as assistant head coach and offensive line coach.