San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch has already shot down the rumor that he was contemplating returning to the broadcast booth. However, that didn't stop Andrew Marchand, a columnist for the New York Post, from (sort of) naming Lynch among his list of potential candidates to replace Troy Aikman at FOX.
Aikman is leaving FOX for ESPN, creating a glaring need for a top football analyst at his former network. Other listed candidates include Greg Olsen, currently with FOX, Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay, former New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton, and former Saints quarterback Drew Brees.
It's worth noting that Marchand doesn't actually list Lynch among his stronger candidates for the job. Instead, he states the general manager and ex-broadcast analyst falls into the category of mystery candidates that could arise.
"Fox will also wait if a mystery candidate, someone not apparent right now, arises," wrote Marchand. "49ers GM and ex-TV game analyst John Lynch could fall into this category for either Amazon or Fox."
On February 1, a reporter asked Lynch about the rumor that he was considering returning to the broadcast booth. He laughed before responding.
"I have not heard that rumor," Lynch admitted. "From time to time, opportunities are presented, and I can tell you, and tell everyone that my commitment right now is to this organization. We're just coming off a season, but my commitment is to the 49ers, the York family, to Kyle (Shanahan)."
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, noting Lynch's comments above, believes the general manager might reconsider, should a network offer him significantly more than what he is earning with the 49ers. If that did happen, San Francisco is fortunate that assistant general manager Adam Peters has not yet landed a general manager job with another organization.
However, it seems unlikely Lynch is considering leaving. He has repeatedly stated that his reasons for leaving the broadcast booth in the first place had more to do with a desire to make an impact in the game again. The executive wanted to be part of a team's success and not just an observer who does not affect winning or losing.
Lynch added, "I feel like it's a real blessing to be part of this organization, so my commitment is right here, and that's where I'll be."