9 NFL Veterans Rumored As Next Head Coach Of The San Francisco 49ers
(CBS SF) - A week after Jim Harbaugh left town, the rumors are swirling about possible replacements. Here's a look at some of the names that NFL.com hears drawing interest from the 49ers.
1. If the 49ers look within the organization, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is seen as the favorite. Like Harbaugh, Fangio came to the 49ers from Stanford and is largely credited with developing a 49ers defense that has been among the league's top five since his 2011 arrival. He has a year left on his current deal, per NFL.com.
2. Mike Shanahan, the former Raiders, Redskins and Broncos coach was spotted in San Francisco over the weekend after meeting with "some folks." The former 49er offensive coordinator under George Seifert is known for building powerful offensive lines capable of sustaining a potent run game. His Denver teams won back-to-back Super Bowls in the late 90's.
3. Current Denver Broncos offensive guru Adam Gase has also been interviewed by the 49ers, per NFL GameDay's Ian Rapoport. The director of the Peyton Manning -led offense is viewed as one of the top young minds available as a potential head coach this offseason. The Broncos host the Colts this Sunday in their playoff opener. His fate likely won't be known until after that.
4. NFL.com reports that Detroit Lions defensive guru Teryl Austin is expected to interview with the team this week. Austin guided the leagues second best defense this season, and he should draw interest following his team's elimination Sunday in Dallas.
5. Also newly available is Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, who helped guide Arizona to a surprise playoff birth thanks to a stout defense that helped the team overcome a series of crucial injuries. Bowles is expected to get calls from nearly all of the teams looking for a new coach.
6. The Niners could turn to their rivals to the north for direction, according to NFL Media, the 49ers interviewed Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn within days of letting Harbaugh walk. The defensive line guru was an assistant with the 49ers from 2001-2004 and now guides the stifling defense of the defending champs.
7. On the offensive side of the ball, former Texans head coach Gary Kubiak is said to be on the short list. He's still in the playoff hunt as offensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens, and has led successful offenses in Denver in Houston and was once the quarterbacks coach in San Francisco.
8. Another successful coordinator, Josh McDaniels, is said to be a target of the 49ers. At 33, McDaniels was hired as head coach of the Denver Broncos, where he was let go after two unsuccessful seasons. Before and after he has served as offensive coordinator of the New England Patriots, where the Tom Brady-led offense is consistently among the league's elite.
9. Recently jettisoned Jets coach reportedly interviewed with the 49ers Sunday. Ryan is known for an approachable personality and popularity among players, but despite leading the team to the AFC Championship Game early in his tenure, he was never able to build an offense capable of being a consistent playoff threat.
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