The San Francisco 49ers are ready to hire Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan and hope to finalize the general manager position this week. Mike Silver and Ian Rapoport joined "GameDay Morning" on NFL Network to discuss the 49ers. Silver said that York has not yet declared whether the head coach or general manager would have power over the 53-man roster in San Francisco.
"I'm told that Jed York has not yet decreed whether Shanahan or the yet to be hired general manager will have official control over the 53-man roster," Silver said.
As previously reported, the 49ers will begin their second round of interviews for the general manager job early this week. The only interview that has been officially scheduled is with Minnesota Vikings assistant general manager George Paton, who is considered to be the frontrunner to replace Trent Baalke. Although, Rapoport says that Arizona Cardinals vice president of player personnel Terry McDonough remains in play.
York does not view roster control as a major issue. He wants a parternship. Wants to see how Shanahan vibes w/ Paton, McDonough first
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) January 22, 2017
"They want to see if one of those guys meshes with Kyle Shanahan," Rapoport said. "If that person does, he'll get hired. If neither does, Mike, they'll open [the search] back up."
Ian Rapoport: Niners plan to make run at Kirk Cousins in 2017 NFL offseason
Silver tweeted on Saturday that York is comfortable with the 49ers current personnel department, which is currently headed by assistant general manager Tom Gamble. That comfort has allowed York to take his time during the search for a new general manager.
York is also very comfortable with Niners current personnel department, headed by Tom Gamble, as he takes his time finding the right GM.
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) January 22, 2017
Silver reports that there was been some talk about Kyle Shanahan's father, Mike Shanahan, joining the 49ers in some fashion. "I'm told that will not happen in a formal role," Silver said. "However, owner Jed York views that as a huge positive, that Kyle Shanahan has such a decorated father that he can lean upon for advice as he eases into the head coaching job. And even though Kyle Shanahan is relatively young, he is a nine-year coordinator in this league who has a record of success, which ultimately tipped the scales in his favor."
I still regard Vikings exec George Paton as the favorite for 49ers GM job, with Cards exec Terry McDonough running second...
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) January 22, 2017
Rapoport concluded the segment by saying that fans should not be surprised if the 49ers pursue Washing Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousin, who is scheduled to become a free agent. Of course, Washington could use the franchise tag on the quarterback which would keep him with the Redskins for another year at the salary of about $24 million.