/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/52969119/usa_today_8640837.0.jpg)
We have known for what feels like weeks that Kyle Shanahan is going to be the new head coach for the San Francisco 49ers. A coach listed as a potential replacement in Atlanta has been quarterback coach Matt LaFleur. He has been working with Shanahan for about a decade, and should be able to keep the same offensive system.
According to Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee, LaFleur may try to leave with Shanahan.
LaFleur would likely leave for an offensive coordinator position in San Francisco. Barrows suggests the 49ers will go after Kirk Cousins hard, who LaFleur and Shanahan coached in Washington.
Can the Falcons force LaFleur to stay? I would think so, but it would be bad practice to keep someone who does not want to be here. Additionally, coaches like Pete Carroll and Bruce Arians allow their guys heading to a head coaching job to bring along one assistant coach. It’s a cool thing to do and keep your coaches happy. Quinn brought offensive line coach Chris Morgan, who has worked wonders.
This move Atlanta’s options at offensive coordinator. It would be preferable to not switch the offensive scheme again, but any replacement will likely want some of their own staff. If Chip Kelly gets the job, he will probably bring a coach he’s familiar with to help install the offense with Matt Ryan.