According to Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle, New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is reportedly very interested in being the next head coach of the San Francisco 49ers. McDaniels will be a busy man on Saturday. The in-demand candidate has interviews lined up with not only the 49ers, but the Los Angeles Rams and Jacksonville Jaguars – all taking place on the same day and at a location near the Patriots' facility.
Everything that we have heard indicates that CEO Jed York has a desire to shape the 49ers' rebuild based on a team like the Patriots, who have enjoyed long-lasting success. A pairing of someone like McDaniels with a general manager like Patriots director of player personnel Nick Caserio, who the 49ers have reportedly requested an interview with, may be exactly what ownership is looking for. Although, it is unknown when or even if the 49ers will interview Caserio. No reports of a pending meeting have surfaced...yet.
McDaniels declined to interview with the 49ers in 2011. However, he did talk to the team in 2015 prior to San Francisco going forward with Jim Tomsula as their head coach – a marriage, like the one that followed with Chip Kelly, that would last only one year.
Beginning to think Jed York's entire plan is centered around Josh McDaniels. Everything else falls into place around that. #49ers #49wz
— Al Sacco (@AlSacco49) January 7, 2017
"The 49ers, who are the only team with a general-manager opening, are appealing to McDaniels because of their clean-slate situation and CEO Jed York's stated commitment to patiently rebuilding," wrote Eric Branch on Friday. "It's believed the 49ers' status as a marquee franchise, despite their recent free-fall, also makes them more attractive than Los Angeles and Jacksonville."
The 49ers have been busy traveling to interview candidates for their vacant head coach and general manager positions and that will not ease up next week. You can keep track of the entire search using our up-to-date head coach and general manager tracker.
It is the first time that the organization is trying to fill both spots since 2005 when the 49ers hired Mike Nolan and then Scot McCloughan. The search and interview process will be led by Jed York and Chief Strategy Officer & Executive Vice President of Football Operations Paraag Marathe.
Below is a list of the known interviews that have already taken place and will take place.
Upcoming Head Coach Interviews
Saturday, January 7
New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels
Monday, January 9
Washington Redskins offensive coordinator Sean McVay
Monday, January 9
Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott
Week of January 9
Seattle Seahawks assistant head coach and offensive line coach Tom Cable
Date Unknown
Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Vance Joseph
Upcoming General Manager Interviews
Weekend of January 7
Indianapolis Colts vice president of football operations Jimmy Raye III
Week of January 9
ESPN analyst, former director of pro personnel Louis Riddick
Week of January 9
Seattle Seahawks co-director of player personnel Trent Kirchner
Week of January 9
Carolina Panthers assistant general manager Brandon Beane
Already Taken Place
Wednesday, January 4
Buffalo Bills interim head coach Anthony Lynn
Thursday, January 5
Green Bay Packers director of football operations Eliot Wolf
Thursday, January 5
Green Bay Packers director of college scouting Brian Gutekunst
Friday, January 6
Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan
Friday, January 6
Minnesota Vikings assistant general manager George Paton