The 49ers plan to meet with Paton on Saturday for a second interview. After others withdrew their names from the 49ers' general manager search, Paton instantly became the frontrunner for the job. Also in the running is Arizona Cardinals vice president of player personnel Terry McDonough, who, like Paton, will meet with the 49ers in Atlanta.
Paton completed his 10th season with Minnesota, working under general manager Rick Spielman. He was a finalist for the general manager job with the St. Louis Rams in 2012. Since then, he has turned down multiple interviews from teams like the Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, and Chicago Bears for their general manager positions. Paton also rejected proposed meetings with the Tennessee Titans and Detroit Lions last winter.
On Saturday, the 49ers will hold their second interview with Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan. He is expected to become the 49ers' newest head coach following the Super Bowl. The team hopes to have Shanahan sit down with both Paton and McDonough to determine which pairing would be a good fit for the future.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers vs. Broncos injury report: Thursday practice brings several updates
The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for their Week 4 contest against the Denver Broncos on Sunday at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Tackle Trent Williams returned to practice after suffering a neck stinger in Week 3 against the Arizona Cardinals. That's good news... -
Recap: 49ers outslug Broncos, ride late George Kittle touchdown to gritty 24-14 win
Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos was perhaps the most physical and taxing of the season so far for the San Francisco 49ers, but they fought through it in the end -- with the help of a couple nice bounces and some late heroics from tight end George Kittle in a 24-14... -
49ers' George Kittle proves he's all the way back—and then some—with record-breaking touchdown
George Kittle's highlight touchdown against the Denver Broncos on Sunday was significant in more ways than just being the play that put the 49ers over the top in their gutty 24-14 win at Levi's Stadium. It further cemented him atop the 49ers' record book, while also showing he... -
49ers' George Kittle sees opportunity for tight ends with Kyle Juszczyk sidelined
George Kittle didn't get to play the last time the San Francisco 49ers faced the Seattle Seahawks. A week before their NFC Divisional Round playoff matchup, the tight end suffered an Achilles injury. Now, the 49ers are preparing to return to Lumen Field, where they suffered a...