ESPN NFL analyst Eric Mangini is joining the San Francisco 49ers as an offensive consultant.

In his role with the defending NFC champions, Mangini will work to find weaknesses in opposing defenses.

The role is a bit of a shift for Mangini, who always has been known as a defensive coach from his time working under Bill Belichick in New England. He also has experience on the offensive side of the ball in his coaching career.

Mangini has ties to 49ers general manager Trent Baalke, who was a personnel scout for the New York Jets in 1998-99 while Mangini was a defensive assistant. Mangini also has previously worked with current 49ers special teams coach Brad Seely.

Mangini, who started his work for ESPN as a guest analyst during the 2010 playoffs, previously has served as a head coach with the Jets and Cleveland Browns.