On Monday, the San Francisco 49ers got some competition in their hunt for a general manager. On Saturday, the Indianapolis Colts fired general manager Ryan Grigson after five seasons with the team and then requested to interview the top candidate for the 49ers' general manager job - Minnesota Vikings assistant general manager George Paton. That interview will take place on Wednesday or Thursday of this week, per Alex Marvez of the Sporting News.
Not sure if out there but source tells @sn_nfl that @Colts set to interview @Vikings executive George Paton on Weds or Thurs for GM vacancy
— Alex Marvez (@alexmarvez) January 24, 2017
The 49ers plan to meet with Paton on Saturday for a second interview. After others withdrew their names from the 49ers' general manager search, Paton instantly became the frontrunner for the job. Also in the running is Arizona Cardinals vice president of player personnel Terry McDonough, who, like Paton, will meet with the 49ers in Atlanta.
Per source, Cardinals VP Terry McDonough expected to have 2nd interview w/49ers Saturday. most likely in Atlanta
— Kent Somers (@kentsomers) January 24, 2017
Paton completed his 10th season with Minnesota, working under general manager Rick Spielman. He was a finalist for the general manager job with the St. Louis Rams in 2012. Since then, he has turned down multiple interviews from teams like the Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, and Chicago Bears for their general manager positions. Paton also rejected proposed meetings with the Tennessee Titans and Detroit Lions last winter.
On Saturday, the 49ers will hold their second interview with Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan. He is expected to become the 49ers' newest head coach following the Super Bowl. The team hopes to have Shanahan sit down with both Paton and McDonough to determine which pairing would be a good fit for the future.