Favorite for 49ers’ GM job withdraws

Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, the 49ers' presumptive head coach, can't be hired until Atlanta's season ends. If the Falcons beat the Packers in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday, Shanahan is expected to meet with general-manager candidates in Atlanta next week. Both Kirchner and Seattle executive Scott Fitterer only had interest in the 49ers' opening if they hired Seahawks offensive line coach Tom Cable as the head coach, a source said. The 49ers, who have interviewed nine candidates, began their search with Chiefs director of player personnel Chris Ballard and Patriots director of player personnel high on their list, but both declined interview requests. The 49ers have also interviewed Carolina assistant GM Brandon Beane, Indianapolis vice president of football operations Jimmy Raye III and ESPN analyst/former NFL executive Louis Riddick.