The San Francisco 49ers have officially welcomed back a familiar face to their front office, naming Ethan Waugh as a personnel executive. The move marks a homecoming for Waugh, who previously spent 18 seasons with the organization in a variety of influential roles. His return brings not only deep institutional knowledge but also valuable experience from his most recent position as assistant general manager with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Waugh rejoins the 49ers after a three-year stint (2022–2024) with the Jaguars, where he worked under general manager Trent Baalke—another former 49ers executive. In Jacksonville, Waugh played a significant part in shaping the roster, overseeing multiple aspects of the player personnel department. His responsibilities included contract negotiations, day-to-day roster management, participation in free agency decisions, player evaluations during the NFL Draft, and collaboration on coaching hires. His work contributed to the Jaguars’ recent progress, including a playoff appearance and the development of a promising young roster.
The hiring reinforces the 49ers’ commitment to continuity and front office strength as they look to build on their recent success. San Francisco has been a consistent playoff contender under head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch, and Waugh’s re-addition enhances an already experienced personnel department. His history with the team dates back to 2004, and during his original 18-year tenure, Waugh held a variety of titles including vice president of player personnel, director of college scouting and football systems, and Midwest regional scout. This versatility showcases his broad football acumen, particularly in the areas of scouting, analytics, and team-building strategy.
Waugh’s time with the 49ers saw him help construct multiple rosters that reached the NFC Championship Game and the Super Bowl. He was instrumental in key draft evaluations and contributed to integrating data systems with traditional scouting methods—an approach the 49ers have emphasized in their recent resurgence. His return is seen as a strategic addition to fortify those same areas.
The 49ers did not specify the exact scope of Waugh’s new role, but given his previous senior-level experience and familiarity with the team’s leadership, it is expected that he will be closely involved in both pro and college scouting, long-term roster planning, and internal football operations.
This move also comes at a time when NFL teams are increasingly investing in experienced and forward-thinking front office personnel to maintain competitiveness in a constantly evolving league. With Waugh’s proven track record and strong relationships within the organization, the 49ers are better positioned to navigate upcoming challenges, including managing the salary cap, negotiating contract extensions, and continuing their strong draft performances.
In summary, Ethan Waugh’s return to the San Francisco 49ers brings a wealth of experience, a deep understanding of the team’s culture, and a sharp eye for talent. As the 49ers aim to take the next step toward a Super Bowl title, Waugh’s leadership and insight could prove to be a crucial part of their continued success.