Ryan said that they don't really discuss things like that, but did endorse Shanahan and his ability to be a head coach. "Our focus really has been on trying to get prepared week in and week out," Ryan said. "Obviously, I'm a big proponent. I think Kyle will do a great job if he ever does get the opportunity. I think he'd be an excellent head coach. We've got enough on our plate this week and I really think everybody's focus is really on that but whenever he does get his opportunity, he'll do a great job."
Ryan was asked what makes Shanahan so special and what he has meant to the development of the Falcons quarterback. "He's been huge," Ryan answered. "I think Kyle's got a really good feel for having the pulse of the group of guys that are there. So putting people in positions to succeed and playing to guys' strengths. We've got a lot of different moving parts, a lot of guys that can make plays and I think he's kind of orchestrated it and balanced that really, really well throughout the year, He's done a great job."
It has been reported that a multi-year deal between the 49ers and Shanahan has unofficially been agreed upon. The two parties will meet again next week to interview candidates for the 49ers' general manager job. Win or lose, Shanahan can do that because either the Falcons make the Super Bowl and have a bye week or they do not and Shanahan can be immediately hired.
Shanahan has been the offensive coordinator with Atlanta since 2015. Prior to that, he held the same position with the Cleveland Browns, Washington Redskins, and Houston Texans. Shanahan was the offensive coordinator in Washington at the same time that his father, Mike Shanahan, was the head coach.
The 49ers have been without a head coach and general manager since officially announcing the firings of Chip Kelly and Trent Baalke on January 1, following the team's final game of the season.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' Kyle Shanahan reveals plan to replace Kyle Juszczyk vs. Seahawks
The San Francisco 49ers are expected to be without fullback Kyle Juszczyk for the next two to three weeks. Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that Juszczyk suffered a hyperextended knee and bone bruise in Sunday's win over the Denver Broncos. That means the 49ers could be... -
49ers injury news: Updates on Kyle Juszczyk, Mike Evans, others from Kyle Shanahan
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters on a conference call Monday, one day after the team's 24-14 win over the Denver Broncos. He provided several injury updates from the game. Earlier Monday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that fullback Kyle... -
Kyle Shanahan explains why two key 49ers can miss practice and still play vs. Broncos
Two key San Francisco 49ers defenders haven't practiced this week, but head coach Kyle Shanahan doesn't seem concerned about their availability for Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos. Linebacker Dre Greenlaw is dealing with a quadriceps injury, while defensive end Keion... -
Kyle Shanahan shares final updates ahead of 49ers-Seahawks
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters after Friday's practice as the team prepares for its Week 5 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Here's everything he said. Transcript provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications staff. Opening...