ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Before John Lynch became the 49ers' general manager in 2017, the Broncos' Ring of Fame safety worked as a color commentator on FOX's NFL coverage.

As part of his role, Lynch met with various head coaches, players and coordinators in production meetings ahead of each week's matchup.

And early in Head Coach Vic Fangio's tenure as the 49ers' defensive coordinator, Lynch sat down with the veteran coach during one of those meetings.

Even in that short interaction, Fangio's coaching style became clear.

"I think it's probably long overdue that he got his shot," said Lynch on Saturday ahead of the Broncos' second joint practice with the 49ers. "I think I've long respected his style. I remember being in a production meeting with him when he was with the Niners, and one of the things I love about him [is] there's some old school. I remember saying, 'Hey, you just came from Stanford. I know you've been in the league, but you've got Pat Willis and you've got NaVorro Bowman.' And he said, 'Ah, they're all right.' But his point was — and I talked to him later — there's a few great players, and if we use great all the time [it dilutes the meaning]. And I think that's the way he looks at things.

"He doesn't get too blown away. He believes in sound football and his teams play that way and they have over the years. They've also made a ton of plays. I think he deserves this opportunity. I'm thrilled to see him have it."

The two didn't overlap in San Francisco, but the respect Lynch has for Fangio is obvious. And Lynch, who was inducted into the Ring of Fame in 2016, thinks Broncos fans have "reason to be excited" about the 2019 season.

"I think Vic's doing a tremendous job of running a tough camp," Lynch said. "They've got some players on that roster and I think it's going to be a good football team, I really do."

ELWAY PROVIDES A PATH

Before Lynch became a GM, John Elway welcomed him into the Broncos' facility and gave him a sneak peek at the role. Years later, Lynch credits his fellow Stanford alum as a "tremendous resource" for him as he aimed to break into the business.