Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Garafolo: Shanahan contacted Lynch about GM job, not the other way around
Jan 30, 2017 at 4:29 PM
•
It has been widely reported that new San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch was the one who reached out to Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan two weeks ago about possibly working together. Shanahan will very likely become the new head coach of the 49ers some time following Super Bowl LI between the Falcons and the New England Patriots.
As for who contacted whom, Mike Garafolo of
NFL Network reported on Monday that he has heard the opposite of what has been widely reported. "There was a notion being pushed out here the last 24 hours or so that Lynch was the guy that really pushed this thing and made it happen, that he made the first call, that's he's the one that threw his hat in the ring," Garafolo said. "I'm told that's not the case here. That it was Kyle Shanahan who really talked to him about it and Lynch really enjoyed his job as a broadcaster.
"So it had to be an enticing opportunity and it had to provide enough security for him to walk away from something that he really did enjoy. Now, he liked the personnel side of things. He got to spend some time with John Elway. He did like that and he was intrigued by it, but he had some security and he had something that he did enjoy so a six-year deal in addition to an opportunity to work alongside a guy that he's comfortable with for an organization, even though they have struggled recently, they are one of the premier organizations in the NFL.
"All of this stuff tied together, that's why it was so enticing for Lynch."
Rapoport: 49ers will look to bring in supporting cast for John Lynch
During a conference call with Bay Area media on Monday, Lynch said, "Two weeks ago, I never thought I'd be doing this. Things change sometimes."
The new 49ers general manager also said that he is very humbled and excited about what he described as an "unbelievable opportunity." The first official conversation with Lynch took place via conference call because he is in Houston for Super Bowl LI honoring his commitment as a Fox broadcaster. However, he is eager to begin his new job. "I can't get the film in front of me quick enough in order to evaluate this roster," Lynch told reporters.
"We have a big task in front of us, but I can't tell you how excited I am to attack it," Lynch said.
LISTEN
Facebook Comments
More San Francisco 49ers News
John Lynch: 49ers 'incredibly encouraged' after Brock Purdy throwing session
Brock Purdy started throwing this week, and it sounds like the San Francisco 49ers are pleased with their second-year quarterback's progress. While Purdy isn't doing anything overly taxing, it is the first time he is throwing a football—albeit reportedly a lighter-weighted one.
Purdy underwent surgery on March 10 to repair the tear of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow, an injury suffered against the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game. His recovery is expected to last into late August or early September—barring any setbacks.
"He's had one (throwing) session thus far and we're incredibly encouraged by that," general manager John Lynch said Wednesday morning on SiriusXM NFL Radio,
Why PFF warns not to overreact to 49ers QB Brock Purdy's early success
Pro Football Focus named Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs as the NFL's best in its recent ranking of starting quarterbacks. It's hard to argue with that choice. Behind Mahomes are Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills and Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals.
Brock Purdy finished last season as the San Francisco 49ers' starting quarterback. He came in when the team lost its second starting quarterback of the season. Trey Lance suffered a season-ending ankle injury during Week 2. Then, Jimmy Garoppolo broke a foot during Week 13. That thrust Purdy into the starting lineup, and he guided the 49ers to eight consecutive wins, all the way to the NFC Championship Game.
Unfortunately, Purdy became the 49ers' third starting quarterback to suffer a serious injury, a
Kyle Shanahan feels "really fortunate" with 49ers' QB room
Kyle Shanahan praises his quarterback room every year. Last season, the San Francisco 49ers went through three starting quarterbacks and still made it to the NFC Championship Game. Trey Lance was the Week 1 starter but suffered a season-ending ankle injury during his second game. Eleven weeks later, Jimmy Garoppolo sustained a broken foot.
That opened the door for rookie Brock Purdy to show his coaches and the NFL world that he belonged, despite being the last overall pick in the draft. Purdy guided the 49ers to eight consecutive wins before suffering a severe injury in that NFC title game matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Two of the quarterbacks from last season—Lance and Purdy—remain. Both are just 23 years old. They are joined by Sam
Christian McCaffrey calls Kyle Shanahan's 49ers scheme the "most sustainable" in the NFL
You've heard stories about San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan installing a play and breaking down exactly how he expects the defense to react. Then, when the players execute the play, everything occurs as the coach explained, as if he had a crystal ball to predict the outcome.
Shanahan is a confident play-caller, emphasizing execution by his players to ensure everything goes as planned. The 49ers acquired a big-time playmaker last season, trading for star running back Christian McCaffrey, who had already established himself as one of the most versatile players in the league.
Even McCaffrey marvels at the things his play-caller comes up