Paraag Marathe, who spent 25 years as the San Francisco 49ers’ executive vice president of football operations, announced this week that he will step down to concentrate on his new responsibilities with Leeds United and Rangers FC, two clubs in which the 49ers have invested.
A Visionary Builder
During his tenure, Marathe played a pivotal role in the design and construction of Levi’s Stadium, the state‑of‑the‑art venue that has been the 49ers’ home since 2014, a project that reshaped the franchise’s identity and fan experience.
The team is also grappling with a spate of injuries, including third‑year wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, who will miss the upcoming season after surgery on his PCL, and the recent re‑signing of Deebo Samuel, who returned to the Bay Area after a stint with the Washington Commanders.
Adding to the turbulence, head coach Kyle Shanahan was involved in a car accident in July and is currently recovering, raising questions about the stability of the coaching staff as the roster reshapes.
An organization‑wide email circulated on Saturday morning confirmed Marathe’s departure, marking a rare leadership turnover for a franchise that has enjoyed continuity for decades, and signaling a shift that could influence the 49ers’ strategic direction on and off the field.