LISTEN: Why all positions (Except QB) Should Be In Play In The Draft →
placeholder image

Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports


Jed York says ‘people are compelled to follow’ John Lynch

Jan 30, 2017 at 1:49 PM--


Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.
San Francisco 49ers CEO Jed York issued a statement via the team's official website regarding the hiring of former NFL safety and FOX analyst John Lynch as the new general manager.

The hiring has been both praised by those who know Lynch or have worked with him and criticized by those who question the hiring of a candidate with no front office experience. In a week, Lynch will very likely be joined by Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, who is expected to be announced as the 49ers' new head coach after Super Bowl LI.

York issued the following statement:

"During his 15 seasons as an NFL player, John epitomized what is so special about the game of football. A world-class competitor, his love and respect for the sport are unmatched, and you would be hard-pressed to find anyone in league circles who does not have great respect for his work ethic and passion. Having already helped lead a team to a Super Bowl title as a player, John is equipped with tremendous insight into what it takes to create a culture that breeds sustained success. Having spent the last eight seasons as an analyst with FOX, he has honed his skills as a talented communicator while also developing valuable relationships around the league and a vast knowledge of the NFL that will be beneficial to our team. As we learned more and more about John, it became apparent that he was not only one of the best to ever play this game but also a Hall of Fame caliber man, one who people are compelled to follow."

"Nothing is guaranteed," York said via TheMMQB late Sunday night following the official announcement by the team. "But so many opportunities are missed in the NFL because people don't want to do something different. We're okay with that, because I am confident in Kyle and John. John has watched John Elway, and how he's built a team in Denver. As easy as it is to say he hasn't built a team yet—I get that—I talk to Kyle, and he says John is the most prepared of all the TV [people] he meets in the production meetings before games. We understand we'll have to live with growing pains, but I'm willing to do that because I believe the upside with both of them is so great."

RELATED Brian Billick calls John Lynch 'brilliant'

Lynch was a surprising hire because his name was never associated with the 49ers' search for a general manager. Lynch, who wanted his candidacy to remain a secret, met with York at his home on Thursday. He was actually the one who contacted Shanahan about the possibility of working together and the pair met with each other on Friday when Lynch flew to Atlanta with York and chief strategy officer Paraag Marathe.

Lynch becomes the 11th general manager in franchise history. He enjoyed a 15-year NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Denver Broncos and was a four-time All-Pro and nine-time Pro Bowl selection. Lynch was part of the Buccaneers team that won Super Bowl XXXVII.

Lynch replaces Trent Baalke, whose firing was officially announced by the team on January 1 following the 49ers' final game of the 2016 season.

Related News





Facebook Comments



More San Francisco 49ers News


placeholder image

Report: 49ers CEO Jed York set to become principal owner

By David Bonilla
Mar 25

According to Ben Fischer of the Sports Business Journal, San Francisco 49ers CEO Jed York is preparing to assume the role of principal owner of the team by acquiring the necessary equity from his mother, Denise DeBartolo York. "The transaction and title change is subject to NFL approval, expected during the league meetings underway today in Orlando," Fischer wrote. "It's not known precisely how much of the club Jed York will own individually after this deal, but the family owns more than 95% of the 49ers, valued at $6B by Forbes in 2023." Fischer also notes that York will maintain his position as CEO of the team, where he will continue to directly oversee


placeholder image

No Huddle Podcast: Jed York to become 49ers' principal owner

By Site Staff
Mar 26

(Episode 324) — Brian Renick and Al Sacco discuss Jed York taking over as the 49ers' owner, and what it means for the franchise going forward! The audio for the show is embedded above. Remember to subscribe! You can listen to the latest "No Huddle Podcast" episode above, from our dedicated podcast page, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify,


placeholder image

Jed York refuses to be ashamed of 49ers' 2023 campaign

By David Bonilla
Mar 26

Over the past five seasons, the San Francisco 49ers have appeared in four NFL Championship Games and two Super Bowls. The team represented the NFC in Super Bowl 58 last month, narrowly missing out on earning the organization's sixth Vince Lombardi Trophy. CEO and soon-to-be principal owner Jed York refuses to feel ashamed of what the 49ers accomplished during its 2023 campaign, recognizing that the team is regarded by many as a model for building an organization. Few NFL franchises have enjoyed as much success in recent years. "I just think you can't be ashamed of a successful season," York told reporters on Tuesday at the NFL owners meetings. "And our goal is always going to be to


placeholder image

49ers actively negotiating with Brandon Aiyuk, not discussing trades, says John Lynch

By David Bonilla
Mar 25

General manager John Lynch addressed reporters at the NFL owners meetings on Monday, emphasizing the San Francisco 49ers' active pursuit of a contract extension for wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. There has been significant speculation surrounding Aiyuk's status this offseason. The receiver is slated to play on his fifth-year option, which guarantees him $14.124 million in 2024. While the team would be content with Aiyuk playing on that fifth-year option, it would prefer to secure the star receiver to a long-term deal before he returns to the field. RELATED: Brandon Aiyuk reacts to John Lynch's latest contract negotiation


Latest

Trending News

Share 49ersWebzone