Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan will meet with the San Francisco 49ers for their head coach vacancy, per Tom Pelissero of USA TODAY Sports. Shanahan, like New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, will be a hot commodity for head coach jobs.
The #49ers also will interview Kyle Shanahan for their head coaching job, source said. 6 teams with vacancies (so far) and he'll meet with 4
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 2, 2017
Shanahan will also meet with the Los Angeles Rams, Jacksonville Jaguars, and the Denver Broncos, per Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports.
Kyle Shanahan will cap his weekend of interviews to the Rams, Jags, Broncos and 49ers. Will regroup after that. Crowded dance card
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) January 3, 2017
Shanahan, who is the son of former Los Angeles Raiders, Denver Broncos, and Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan, is a name that 49ers fans have likely been waiting to hear about. Prior to the firing of ex-49ers general manager Trent Baalke, there was some speculation that a general manager-head father-and-son duo might be a possibility in San Francisco. While Mike Shanahan has not yet been officially linked to the 49ers in any way, it would seem that his son Kyle would not be against the idea of coaching for a York-run team.
Pelissero reports that Kyle Shanahan will meet with four teams. The Falcons have a first-round bye in the playoffs, enabling coordinators to interview for other positions during that break. However, any interviews must take place in their home territory.
Earlier today, 49ers CEO Jed York said that he is open to hiring a head coach and then working with that individual to identify a general manager candidate that would make a good pairing. "I think we need to be open and flexible to structure, York said. "We need to make sure that the head coach and the general manager know each other, have a good understanding for each other. Doesn't mean that they had to have worked together in the past, but they have to have a good respect for each other and a good understanding and know that they have similar visions and philosophies on building a football team."
Shanahan has been the offensive coordinator with Atlanta since 2015. Prior to that, he held the same position with the Cleveland Browns, Washington Redskins, and Houston Texans. Shanahan was the offensive coordinator in Washington at the same time that his father was the head coach.
Under Shanahan, the Falcons offense is ranked first in scoring, second in total yards, third in passing yards, and fifth in rushing yards this season.
