Former Hoosier Tevin Coleman Inks Deal with San Francisco 49ers
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Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Written by Evan McShane (@veryreasonable)
Tevin Coleman has reunited with his former offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan. The San Francisco 49ers signed the former Hoosiers to a two-year $8.5 million deal. Shanahan, now the 49ers head coach, was the offensive coordinator for Coleman’s first two seasons on the league in Atlanta. With the Falcons, Coleman has blossomed into a versatile running back in the NFL. Through his first four seasons, Coleman has amassed 2,340 rushing yards, 18 rushing touchdowns, along with 1,010 receiving yards and 11 receiving touchdowns. It’s easy to see why the 49ers thought highly of Coleman.
San Francisco is a young team on the rise. Unfortunately, their 2018 season was derailed during the third game of the year when quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo tore his ACL and missed the season. The Niners finished 4-12 and will have the second overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft. Tevin Coleman’s talents seem to fit in perfectly with the roster in San Francisco. A promising quarterback and coach to go with a dynamic backfield. In fact, Coleman thinks this might be the most talented group he’s been part of. He told NBC Sports, “No, I have not. It’s going to be a 4x1 back there,” Coleman said, referring to a 4x100-meter track relay team. “So there’s a lot speed in the backfield. I’m real excited to play with those guys.”
In many ways, San Francisco was an excellent landing spot for Coleman. Head coach Kyle Shanahan loves to use his running backs in the passing game. Hoosier fans know how explosive Tevin Coleman can be from the way he routinely made huge plays at IU. Coleman has had great success in the passing game. He is great in the screen game and has become lethal from the slot.
As a member of the Falcons, Coleman was often seen as the secondary running back behind Devonta Freeman. With the 49ers, Coleman will have ample opportunity to become the lead back. He will undeniably be utilized in the passing game. Coleman is entering the prime of his career and the way he is having success in the NFL mirrors the way he dominated at Indiana. From Chicago to Bloomington to Atlanta and now San Francisco, Tevin Coleman’s journey has been a joyous one to watch for Hoosier fans. Hopefully for Coleman, the best is yet to come.