Orlando Franklin lands a coveted coaching job on the 49ers staff
Aug 30, 2021, 9:00 AM | Updated: Aug 31, 2021, 6:54 am
On Monday, Orlando Franklin delivered bittersweet news during the first segment of his morning sports talk show. At the beginning of “Orlando and Sandy,” the host announced that he would be leaving 104.3 The Fan to pursue a coaching career.
Franklin, a seven-year NFL veteran who spent his first four seasons in a Broncos uniform, will join Kyle Shanahan’s staff in San Francisco. During training camp, the former offensive tackle and guard served as a coaching intern with the 49ers. Now, he’ll take his career to the next stage.
“My coaching internship with the 49ers was a tremendous experience, and I was honored that Coach Shanahan offered me the opportunity to continue with the team this season,” Franklin explained. “While it’s bittersweet leaving my radio show here on The Fan, the chance to continue learning from Coach Shanahan working closely with my father-in-law Bobby Turner was one I just couldn’t pass up.”
Turner is a coaching legend. During his nearly five decades in football, the running backs coach has mentored some of the game’s best, including a slew of 1,000-yard rushers during his tenure with the Broncos. Most notably, Turner was on the staff that guided the Broncos to back-to-back Super Bowl titles in 1997 and ’98, on the strength of a running game that featured Terrell Davis, a Hall of Fame member and former NFL MVP.
It was definitely a family decision.
“I would like to thank my wife, Kiaana, who has always supported my dreams and vision no matter what,” Franklin added. “She’s been the backbone that has held our family together.”
Franklin’s final day on the air will be Tuesday, Aug. 31. He’ll end a solid two-year run at the station on a high note.
“I want to thank my partner Sandy Clough, all of my teammates at The Fan and my amazing boss, Raj Sharan, for giving me a wonderful opportunity in radio,” Franklin said. “Most of all, thanks to the great Denver sports fans who tuned in to listen. I’m going to miss you guys!”
Everyone at The Fan wishes “Big O” the best of luck in San Francisco. The station’s loss in the Niners gain.
