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."
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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.