New Coach, New Purdy? 49ers QB Says Lombardi Brings What Griese Lacked

Santa Clara, CA – June 7, 2025

When Brock Purdy took the podium at OTAs this week, he wasn’t just answering routine questions — he was setting the tone for a new chapter in his evolution as the 49ers’ franchise quarterback. And at the heart of this transformation is a new voice in his ear: quarterbacks coach Mick Lombardi.

Gone is Brian Griese, the former player-turned-mentor who helped mold Purdy’s early NFL identity. In comes Lombardi, a fiery tactician with a background in New England grit and a passion for igniting every meeting room he enters. For some quarterbacks, that transition might trigger uncertainty or even resistance. But for Purdy, it’s been the opposite.

“Mick’s been awesome. Just extremely competitive and fiery in everything he does,” Purdy said this week. “When we get out on the field, you feel it. He brings energy every single day, and it’s been special picking his brain.”

While Purdy was careful not to throw any shade at Griese, his praise for Lombardi painted a clear contrast. The implication? Lombardi is bringing a level of urgency, intensity, and perhaps even creativity that the previous regime lacked.

There’s no doubt that Griese played a crucial role in Purdy’s development. He helped turn Mr. Irrelevant into a Super Bowl-caliber starter, bringing steadiness and technical refinement. But critics have noted that Griese’s coaching — while solid — could at times feel rigid and overly reliant on system structure. Lombardi, meanwhile, appears to be injecting new life into the quarterback room with passion and adaptability.

And that might be exactly what Purdy needs. After a mixed 2024 season — one that saw him go 1-6 against playoff teams despite solid overall numbers — there’s a sense that Purdy must evolve again to meet the league’s growing expectations. Enter Lombardi, whose intense demeanor and strategic versatility may be the spark that unlocks Purdy 2.0.

“Everything’s based on timing and rhythm, but also playing off-schedule,” Purdy added. “It’s all three phases of quarterback play — and Mick understands that.”

Inside the 49ers facility, early reports suggest the quarterback group is more energized than it has been in years. Lombardi’s roots in detail-oriented systems — from New England to Las Vegas — give him a diverse toolkit that Purdy seems eager to absorb.

There’s also a deeper layer here. For the first time in his NFL career, Purdy isn’t just a young QB finding his footing — he’s the $265 million face of the franchise. That kind of responsibility demands more than mechanical consistency. It demands adaptability, leadership, and continued growth. And perhaps, a new voice.

“It’s about getting better every day and being challenged in new ways,” Purdy said. “With Mick, I feel that.”

So while Griese helped launch the Purdy era, it may be Mick Lombardi who refines it. And if early chemistry is any indicator, the 49ers just might have found the perfect pairing to elevate their quarterback — and their title hopes — to a whole new level.