49ers exec Paraag Marathe departing organization to focus on Leeds United, Rangers FC

Paraag Marathe, the San Francisco 49ers’ executive VP of football operations and owner Jed York’s right-hand man and chief contract negotiator for nearly a quarter of a century, is stepping aside to focus on Leeds United and Rangers FC.

In an internal email shared by the 49ers on Saturday, York wished Marathe well and thanked him for his commitment to the franchise.

“Throughout his career, he helped shape our football team, played a key role in the development of Levi’s Stadium and contributed to building our reputation across global sports,” York wrote. “His leadership and long-term commitment have shaped this organization in lasting ways.”

Brian Hampton, whom the 49ers promoted last year to assistant general manager, will take over Marathe’s role as lead contract negotiator, said a team source who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly. Hampton has been handling the bulk of the team’s contracts for several years, although Marathe has remained a part of the most high-profile negotiations.

Also, former Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, whom the 49ers hired this year as their vice president of personnel and strategy, will take on some of Marathe’s former roles, the source said. Hampton and Adofo-Mensah have been among Marathe’s top lieutenants in the past, with Adofo-Mensah working under Marathe from 2013 to 2019 and Hampton joining the organization as an intern in 2003.