McDermott, 42, has been the Panthers' defensive coordinator since 2011. Before that, he was with the Philadelphia Eagles serving as their defensive coordinator and secondary coach. This past season, his defense ranked 12th in points allowed, 13th in total yards allowed, 13th against the pass, and 15th against the run.
In 2015, during Carolina's Super Bowl run season, McDermott's defense ranked 6th in points allowed, 6th in total yards allowed, 11th against the pass, and 4th against the run.
Riddick has a good amount of executive experience having served as the director of pro personnel for the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins. He has also served as a scout for both teams.
Riddick's NFL playing days as a safety started when he was drafted by the 49ers in the ninth round of the 1991 NFL Draft. He worked with Trent Baalke during his time in Washington and Chip Kelly in Philadelphia. Riddick became an on-air analyst for ESPN in 2013.
Last week, Riddick described the general manager job with the 49ers as the most appealing one available because anyone that goes into the position could build from the ground up. When asked on air if he would accept the position, Riddick answered, "Sure I would."
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Riddick continued, "There's not a whole lot of impediments to the success there, provided that [Jed York] makes good on everything that he says, and why wouldn't you take him at this word?"
The 49ers have been busy traveling to interview candidates for their vacant head coach and general manager positions. You can keep track of the entire search using our up-to-date head coach and general manager tracker.
It is the first time that the organization is trying to fill both spots since 2005 when the 49ers hired Mike Nolan and then Scot McCloughan. The search and interview process will be led by Jed York and Chief Strategy Officer & Executive Vice President of Football Operations Paraag Marathe.
Below is a list of the known interviews that have already taken place and will take place.
Upcoming Interviews
Tuesday, January 10
Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott (HC)
ESPN analyst, former director of pro personnel Louis Riddick (GM)
Thursday, January 12
Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Vance Joseph (HC)
Will interview with the 49ers only if the Broncos do not hire him
Sunday, January 15
Seattle Seahawks assistant head coach and offensive line coach Tom Cable (HC)
Monday, January 16
Seattle Seahawks co-director of player personnel Trent Kirchner (GM)
Seattle Seahawks co-director of player personnel Scott Fitterer (GM)
Completed Interviews
Wednesday, January 4
Buffalo Bills interim head coach Anthony Lynn (HC)
Thursday, January 5
Green Bay Packers director of football operations Eliot Wolf (GM)
Green Bay Packers director of player personnel Brian Gutekunst (GM)
Friday, January 6
Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan (HC)
Minnesota Vikings assistant general manager George Paton (GM)
Saturday, January 7
New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels (HC)
Sunday, January 8
Indianapolis Colts vice president of football operations Jimmy Raye III (GM)
Monday, January 9
Washington Redskins offensive coordinator Sean McVay (HC)
Carolina Panthers assistant general manager Brandon Beane (GM)
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