The 49ers are the final NFL club still searching for a new head coach, and they’ve likely narrowed their hunt down to three candidates: Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, and Seahawks OL/assistant head coach Tom Cable, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link). 
[RELATED: 2017 Head Coaching Search Tracker]
Cable will interview for the position today, while both Shanahan and McDaniels were already granted permission to meet with 49ers management given that their respective clubs had earned first-round playoff byes. As Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets, the key factor in San Francisco’s favor is time — because all the other head coaching jobs have been filled, the Niners have no incentive to rush to find their next coach.
Now that the Seahawks have been eliminated, Cable is free to interview at any time going forward, while Shanahan and McDaniels would each be allowed to interview during the week between the conference championship games and the Super Bowl. Of course, if either Atlanta or New England is eliminated next week, Shanahan and McDaniels could interview freely on their own schedule.
The 49ers, of course, are also the only NFL team looking for a new general manager after parting ways with Trent Baalke. San Francisco has interviewed a number of candidates, including ESPN analyst Louis Riddick, for the position. Riddick would likely come to the Bay Area as package deal with McDaniels, who was said to view the 49ers as his preferred destination.
However, McDaniels has expressed some reticence about leaving New England for the 49ers, sources tell Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. While McDaniels can likely have the San Francisco job if he wants it, and has reportedly already been identifying prospective staff members around the NFL, the Patriots OC is worried about moving his family across the country for what could turn out to be a short stay (given the 49ers’ recent track record of firing coaches).
Tom Cable – no thanks. He sucks.
The fact that they’re even considering the idea of hiring Tom Cable makes me a much more sad and angry miner fan than I was. Didn’t think that was possible.
Let’s get Shanahan. He’s a genius offensive minded coach and he proved he knows how to game plan to beat Seattle which by the way we haven’t been able to beat in a while. Get it done, Jed!
If the team waiting this long it I have a big feeling McDaniels going to be the coach. Heck if Pete carroll can do well his second time around why can Josh d
Please take Cable from us!!!
Don’t take Shanahan from the falcons, gives us one more year with him, please.
I’d take kyle shanahan as a plan b. Josh mcdaniels is my preferred choice (as if it matters). Everyone is ready to drink the kool-aid on kyle after last night. Remember, he has a lot of offensive weapons already in place and beat a good defense at home in a controlled environment. Dude is good but handling a rebuilt without experience worries me. Mcdaniels has experience, made mistakes but has learned from them, and has a glowing referral from several big names like Tom Brady and Steve young. Plus a mentor like belichick who also failed his first time btw. Can’t afford another setback letting a rookie coach cut his teeth on the fly. unless mcdaniels turns them down, he’s who I’d like to see them hire.
Stop talking about riddick it’s not gonna happen
Tom Cable beats women. I won’t watch if he become the coach. I’ve been a fan for 30 years. He’s a scumbag.
I don’t think any high up person in the NFL cares if you stop watching, they will do what ever is better for the team.
Tom Cable also broke an assistants jaw. This is who we want leading our team?
Give me Shanahan and the GM of his choice. McDaniels would be my close second choice. McDaniels couldn’t get along with his player the first time around. That may happen again, specially when you’re not winning the first 2-3 yrs. Reports are Shanahan gets around with his players.
no Tom cable, I’m uncomfortable with how much he’s being mentioned
Interesting that there is no urgency to hire and involve the new GM in the coaching search considering the working relationship they will need to have
Rex Ryan is still available…
I’d take him as D.C. But that’s about all I’d consider him for.
The more I think about the next coach for my 9ers the more worried I get. How are going to expect one of these guys to put together a good staff when other teams are already hiring the major coordinators that were out there. I know there is still some out there and I know whoever wins between Shanahan and McDaniels will be the OC but I’m still a bit worried they will be able to put together a decent staff once they are able to be hired. Do you guys think they know they already have the job and have already been talking to coordinators lining it up?
Probably not. The new HC will most likely bring a few of his other assistants with him from his previous gig and there are still plenty of capable names out there.
McDaniel needs to stay in NE. May one day take over for Bilicheck. Plus he wasn’t good with Denver.