The San Francisco 49ers are narrowing their search for a new head coach, and Mike Shanahan is working toward the top of the list.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports Shanahan — who last guided a team in 2013 — interviewed with the franchise, whose interest has “ramped up considerably.”
The #49ers interviewed former #Redskins coach Mike Shanahan on Tuesday, source said. Since then, interest has ramped up considerably.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 14, 2016
San Fransisco struck out on its top options after Sean Payton elected to stay with the New Orleans Saints and Hue Jackson agreed to become the Cleveland Browns head coach.
Although the 49ers didn’t offer Jackson a contract despite interviewing him, that doesn’t mean he wasn’t a top target. The organization already has enough bad press because of its brass, and Jackson officially turning down the job would only make it appear less desirable.
Perhaps that’s why Shanahan is getting the call anyway. Working with a stubborn owner in Jed York and a general manager whose last four drafts have been unspectacular at best isn’t exactly appealing.
Shanahan has spent two years away from the sideline after being fired from the Washington football team. During the last seven seasons of his coaching experience, Shanahan’s teams reached the playoffs once.
Now, what he would bring is an offensive style that benefits Carlos Hyde. Throughout his time with the Denver Broncos and Washington, Shanahan typically had successful rushing attacks.
Jim Tomsula was nothing more than a stop-gap in San Francisco, but the current candidates aren’t exactly great.
John Middlekauf of 95.7 The Game noted Chip Kelly is still in the mix for the 49ers. Anthony Lynn, John DeFilippo and Dirk Koetter have also interviewed. Tom Coughlin and Mike Holmgren could be contacted. Looking at Doug Marrone would be silly, and Jim Mora probably won’t leave UCLA.
Shanahan might be the best of a bad situation.