5 Key Stories: 1/15/17 – 1/22/17

San Francisco’s dual searches continue. Technically, the 49ers have still not named a new head coach, but that’s only because their overwhelmingly likely choice — Atlanta offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan — is still coaching in the playoffs. Shanahan will likely meet with Niners ownership on Tuesday to discuss candidates for San Francisco’s vacant general manager position. A number of contenders have recently dropped out of the running, leaving the Vikings’ George Paton and the Cardinals’ Terry McDonough as the remaining choices.Ryan Grigson (Vertical)

Colts make a change. Indianapolis has finally made an alteration to its decision-making structure, announcing Saturday that it had fired general manager Ryan Grigson. Reports of discord between Grigson and head coach Chuck Pagano had existed for some time, forcing the Colts to part ways with Grigson despite that fact that he recently signed an extension through the 2019 campaign. Incumbent Indy executive Jimmy Raye III is considered the favorite to take over as GM, but given that the position is viewed as highly attractive, multiple candidates figure to emerge.

Viva Las Vegas. The Raiders made it official last week, filing relocation papers for their intended move to Las Vegas. The city of Oakland made “no progress” in retaining the club, and most observers don’t buy the city’s plan for a new stadium. Instead, the Raiders and owner Mark Davis hope to move into a $1.9 billion proposed facility in Vegas in time for the 2020 season. The plan still needs to be approved by the NFL’s owners, but the proposal is reportedly “gaining momentum.”Chip Kelly

Chip Kelly getting nibbles. Although Chip Kelly’s single season with the 49ers certainly wasn’t a success, he’s still respected around the league as an offensive mind, and has garnered a bit of interest over the past week. The Jaguars interviewed Kelly both for their head coaching job and their offensive coordinator position, but decided to go with internal hires. The Patriots — and Kelly friend Bill Belichick — reportedly met with Kelly last week, while the Falcons could also express interest if Kyle Shanahan heads to San Francisco.

Coordinator change galore. Now that all but one head coaching slot has been filled, clubs have begun to assemble their coaching staffs by first installing new coordinators. Gus Bradley (Chargers), Mike Vrabel (Texans), and Greg Manusky (Redskins) are a few of the new coaches on the defensive side of the ball, while Rick Dennison (Bills), Nathaniel Hackett (Jaguars), and — likely — Matt Cavanaugh (Redskins) join them on offense. Follow all the latest staff news by bookmarking PFR’s 2017 Offensive/Defensive Coordinator Tracker.

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