49ers zeroing in on Falcons' Kyle Shanahan in coaching search
The San Francisco 49ers appear to be honing in on Atlanta offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan as their next head coach – if he wants the job and the sides can agree to a contract once the Falcons’ season is over.
Whether the Falcons win or lose Sunday’s NFC Championship Game against the Green Bay Packers, the 49ers are expected to bring back Shanahan for a second interview next week with general manager candidates in tow, a person with knowledge of the search process told USA TODAY Sports on Tuesday.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of the fluidity of the situation involving Shanahan, 37, who remains interested in the job, but has made clear through his agent that he won’t agree to anything until the Falcons’ season is over.
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Seattle Seahawks assistant head coach/offensive line Tom Cable's agent tweeted Tuesday that his client would remain with his current team. Shanahan and Cable were the only two known candidates still available after several others were hired elsewhere and New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels pulled himself out of the running Monday. The man thought to be Cable’s preferred choice for the 49ers’ GM vacancy, Seahawks co-director of player personnel Trent Kirchner, also has withdrawn from the search, another person with knowledge of the search told USA TODAY Sports on Tuesday.
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Kirchner pulling out was another strong sign the job is Shanahan’s if he wants it. The 49ers wouldn’t be allowed to formally hire Shanahan until after Atlanta is done, which could be as soon as Sunday night, but may not be until after Super Bowl LI on Feb. 5.
The Falcons waited for their head coach, Dan Quinn, during the Seahawks’ Super Bowl run a couple years ago. So, it wouldn’t be unprecedented if the 49ers wait for Shanahan, though that comes with risk if Atlanta goes all the way to the Super Bowl and then he decides to say no.
The other five head coaching vacancies have been filled, and the 49ers are the only team with a GM vacancy.
Follow Tom Pelissero on Twitter @TomPelissero.
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