Report: “Almost certain” Kyle Shanahan accepts San Francisco 49ers job

Just a few days ago, New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels was the heavy favorite for the 49ers head coaching job. He had reportedly already sold San Francisco on his general manager and a long-term plan on a full rebuild.

McDaniels abruptly removed his name from consideration earlier this week. The team then reportedly turned their attention to Kyle Shanahan. The 49ers job was not quite as attractive as, say, the Denver Broncos job. The roster is in shambles, many question ownership, and they’ve had three different coaches in the last three seasons.

So we have spent a day or two wondering if Shanahan would even accept the job. He could wait another year and the Falcons could put together another impressive season on the back of an elite offense. Well, you know where this is going.

Mike Silver of NFL Network is pretty plugged in. It sounds like they have a *wink* *wink* *nod* *nod* deal in place, as the 49ers can’t legally offer him a job until the Falcons are eliminated. You know, so a coach doesn’t spend all week thinking about his new job.

Shanahan was the last coach available with any negotiating power. He’s picking his own general manager, almost assuredly has roster control, and probably signed a hefty five-year deal. We wondered if Shanahan would want this job, but the offer of money and power had to have sweetened the deal.

I hope these are the best of Silver’s sources. I want to be a bit skeptical and hope for continuity with these Falcons, but it is pretty unlikely the 49ers would get turned down by Shanahan.