Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan was asked about his offensive coordinator, Kyle Shanahan, and him likely becoming the new head coach of the San Francisco 49ers. During Ryan's Wednesday press conference leading up to the NFC Championship Game, Ryan was asked if he and Shanahan discuss things like that and what would be a big professional step for the Falcons coordinator.
Ryan said that they don't really discuss things like that, but did endorse Shanahan and his ability to be a head coach. "Our focus really has been on trying to get prepared week in and week out," Ryan said. "Obviously, I'm a big proponent. I think Kyle will do a great job if he ever does get the opportunity. I think he'd be an excellent head coach. We've got enough on our plate this week and I really think everybody's focus is really on that but whenever he does get his opportunity, he'll do a great job."
Ryan was asked what makes Shanahan so special and what he has meant to the development of the Falcons quarterback. "He's been huge," Ryan answered. "I think Kyle's got a really good feel for having the pulse of the group of guys that are there. So putting people in positions to succeed and playing to guys' strengths. We've got a lot of different moving parts, a lot of guys that can make plays and I think he's kind of orchestrated it and balanced that really, really well throughout the year, He's done a great job."
It has been reported that a multi-year deal between the 49ers and Shanahan has unofficially been agreed upon. The two parties will meet again next week to interview candidates for the 49ers' general manager job. Win or lose, Shanahan can do that because either the Falcons make the Super Bowl and have a bye week or they do not and Shanahan can be immediately hired.
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, Mike Shanahan, was the head coach.
The 49ers have been without a head coach and general manager since officially announcing the firings of Chip Kelly and Trent Baalke on January 1, following the team's final game of the season.