49ers can hire Kyle Shanahan on heels of devastating loss

The Falcons squandered a 28-3 third-quarter lead as their high-powered offense ground to a halt. Atlanta, which scored the eighth-most points (540) in NFL history, had three punts and a fumble on its four fourth-quarter drives. Shanahan encouraged the 49ers to hire general manager John Lynch, 45, a nine-time Pro Bowl safety and Fox TV analyst with no front-office experience. According to national reports, the 49ers are considering New England linebackers coach Brian Flores, 35, and former Jacksonville linebackers coach Robert Saleh, 38, for the position. With the Texans, Shanahan was Schaub's quarterbacks coach (2007) and offensive coordinator (2008-09) before they reconnected with the Falcons this season. Turning 36 in June, Schaub presumably would be a backup, although the 49ers' current quarterback situation could provide an opportunity to compete for the starting spot. Schaub surrendered his role after a stretch during which he had an interception returned for a touchdown in an NFL-record four straight games. In 2009, with Shanahan, Schaub led the NFL in passing yards (4,770) and had career highs in touchdown passes (29) and passer rating (98.6). Schaub, a Pro Bowl selection...