Jimmy Raye Join Niners

Several Web sites including SI.com and NFL.com are reporting that Jimmy Raye,the new offensive coordinator for the 49ers. Raye has been coaching in the NFL for 32 years including a 1977 stop for a year with the 49ers.

After several other candidates interviewed for the position, the San Francisco 49ers hired Jimmy Raye II to become the team’s new offensive coordinator, according to Adam Schefter of NFL Network.

Jimmy Raye, an NFL assistant for the past 32 seasons, was hired Wednesday evening.

Raye served as the Jets’ running backs coach in 2008. As we reported on Tuesday, his contract was not going to be renewed.

Raye, 62, earlier in the day became the eighth candidate to interview with 49ers coach Mike Singletary, who fired Mike Martz on Dec. 30. Scott Linehan turned down the 49ers’ offer Jan. 18 to replace Mike Martz as offensive coordinator. Linehan later accepted a position with the Detroit Lions.

Earlier this month, former Rams coach Scott Linehan turned down the job. The team then interviewed Jeff Jagonzinski, Rob Chudzinski, and Hue Jackson.

It is not known if others declined offers. On Tuesday, Baltimore quarterbacks coach Hue Jackson had his second interview with the club. But Raye emerged with the job, the NFL Network reported.

The 49ers also hired former Baltimore, Atlanta and San Diego quarterbacks coach Mike Johnson, Sports Illustrated reported. Johnson did not coach in the NFL last season.

Coincidentally, Raye’s first NFL job was with the 49ers — before the Bill Walsh era began. Raye coached 49ers receivers under Ken Meyer in 1977.

Raye has served as offensive coordinator for 12 seasons with six organizations: Raiders (2004-05), Washington (2001), Kansas City (1998-2000), Los Angeles Rams (1983-84, 2001), New England (1990) and Tampa Bay (1985-86).

He worked the past three seasons as New York Jets running backs coach, but was not going to be retained on new coach Rex Ryan’s staff.