John Lynch explains why Kyle Shanahan, 49ers coaches didn’t attend NFL Scouting Combine

Several NFL coaches are not in attendance at this year's NFL Scouting Combine. Bill Belichick, Sean McVay, and Mike Tomlin are among those who are absent. Kyle Shanahan and his San Francisco 49ers staff are also missing, opting to remain in Santa Clara and do their scouting homework there.

General manager John Lynch is at the NFL Scouting Combine and spoke with reporters on Wednesday. He explained that coaching turnover this offseason played a part in Shanahan's decision to skip this year's event, which he has attended annually since becoming the 49ers' head coach.

"I think we look at each situation as a unique one, and this isn't something that we have a hard stance that coaches should never go," Lynch explained. "But, looking at [Dolphins head coach] Mike McDaniel over there, and we're happy for guys like that who got opportunities, but with that comes some turnover in our coaching staff."

The 49ers plan to officially announce their coaching hires next week. We already know of several additions, like Anthony Lynn. He will serve as the assistant head coach and fill in for running backs coach Bobby Turner, who is taking a year off.

The losses have been significant. Former 49ers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel took tight ends coach Jon Embree and wide receivers coach Wes Welker with him to Miami. Another 49ers coordinator, Richard Hightower, is with the Chicago Bears, leading their special teams unit. Quarterbacks coach Rich Scangarello left to become the offensive coordinator at the University of Kentucky.

"So we're traditionally really focused on evaluation at this time, and that solely, we also are doing some scheme work with our staff as we've got a lot of new people together," Lynch continued. "So Kyle and I talked and felt like his time and his staff's time were best spent there."

Due to the pandemic, doing things virtually has become second nature for most people. The NFL is no different. The 49ers coaches can still take part in player interviews and review Combine workouts from the comfort of their Santa Clara offices, all while building some chemistry with one another.

"The great thing about what we've learned over the last couple years is when we're interviewing players, those respective coaches and coordinators and Kyle will get on the Zooms," Lynch said. "And so even though they aren't here, they are here, and we talk every night, and we talk every morning, so communication is good.

"We just felt like that was best for our organization this week. And they're having a real productive week, getting that scheme work done, getting used to each other as a staff, and also taking part in the evaluation process."

Speaking of McDaniel, one exchange between Lynch and the new Dolphins head coach went viral on Wednesday. Lynch, while praising McDaniel, noticed his former offensive coordinator among the spectators. McDaniel, of course, reacted to the compliments.

Below are Lynch's comments.

Kevin Clark of The Ringer caught McDaniel's reaction.