The game-winning toss from Alex Smith to Vernon Davis last week came directly from quarterbacks coach Geep Chyrst.
The play, called “Vernon Post,” was only installed a week ago. It used Chyrst’s familiarity with the Saints from his days in Carolina.
Michael Silver of Yahoo! Sports did a great job detailing the origin of the play earlier this week. The play helps point out how well the entire 49ers coaching staff works together.
Chyrst doesn’t just draw up plays. He actually calls the plays at times, like he did during the entire two-minute drill against the Saints last Saturday.
Consider that for a minute: With the entire season on the line, the 49ers had the quarterbacks coach calling plays. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman calls the plays throughout the game. Harbaugh mentioned Roman “suggested” the Alex Smith quarterback keeper play that resulted in a 28-yard touchdown run.
Harbaugh is the one that signals the play into Smith, making it a truly collaborative effort.
“We all work together, pretty much suffice it to say,” Harbaugh said via CSNBayArea.com.
One of the most underrated and important skills a coach can have: Putting together the right staff. Harbaugh hired the right guys in San Francisco.
It’s clear Harbaugh has much faith in his assistants in big moments as he does in Alex Smith.