Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan is expected to become the San Francisco 49ers' next head coach, according to NFL Network's Michael Silver.
According to sources familiar with both parties, it is almost certain that Shanahan will accept the 49ers' multiyear offer, per Silver. If he does accept, Silver added, Packers director of player personnel Brian Gutekunst is the favorite for general-manager duties -- followed by Vikings assistant GM George Paton and Packers director of football operations Eliot Wolf.
The 49ers' interest in Seahawks offensive line coach Tom Cable was real, according to Silver. Owner Denise DeBartolo York interviewed him on the phone Tuesday for an hour. Among the GM candidates who told Jed York they wanted Cable as head coach were Trent Kirchner, Scott Fitterer and Chris Ballard (who declined to interview). Kirchner and Cable pulled out because they became convinced that the 49ers had informally offered Shanahan the job and that he planned to accept, per Silver.
Former Jaguars coach Gus Bradley wanted to go to San Francisco as Cable's defensive coordinator. The Niners called Tuesday to try to get him to come anyway and Bradley said no, according to Silver.
It's clear that the job is Shanahan's to take, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported. In fact, the 49ers are expected to arrange a meeting with Shanahan and the top candidates for the general manager position next week, sources informed of the decision told Rapoport.
Once Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels bowed out of the picture, it became clear that San Francisco was willing to wait until after the NFC Championship Game to receive an answer from Shanahan.
While the Seahawks welcome Cable back with open arms, the Chargers are also poised to benefit from a domino effect. Former Jaguars coach Gus Bradley was reportedly holding out for a position on Cable's staff in San Francisco. Now it's more likely that he will join new coach Anthony Lynn as the defensive coordinator in Los Angeles.
