Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan said he looks forward to talking to the 49ers again about their vacant head coach position, but that he doesn’t have an offer yet.
Shanahan met with the 49ers when the Falcons had a bye week before opening postseason play and he reportedly is the top candidate for the job. By NFL rule the 49ers are not permitted to speak to Shanahan again until after the Falcons play the Packers in Sunday's NFC Championship game.
Shanahan, who has never been a head coach, said those restrictions make it simple for him to focus on his Falcons duties.
“I think I will get that opportunity next week, whatever happens, and I plan on doing that,” Shanahan said. “But besides that, the NFL keeps it pretty simple for you because you are not really allowed to talk. You can’t really go one way or another. I’m looking forward to having those conversations next week.”
The 49ers fired coach Chip Kelly and general manager Trent Baalke at the conclusion of their season. The 49ers are still speaking to candidates for the GM job.
Shanahan said there’s “no understanding” of an offer from the 49ers, but he’s the only candidate who still is available. This week Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and Seahawks offensive line coach Tom Cable withdrew from consideration.
Shanahan has never been a head coach, but his work this with the Falcons this season had made him an attractive candidate. He also interviewed with the Broncos and Jaguars before those teams hired head coaches. The Rams also were interested in Shanahan before hiring another candidate.
In Shanahan’s second season as Falcons coordinator, the team set a franchise record for points while earning the NFC’s No. 2 seed. Quarterback Matt Ryan broke his own team mark for passing yards and is an NFL MVP candidate. Ryan was selected to the Pro Bowl along with running back Devonta Freeman, wide receiver Julio Jones and center Alex Mack.
“It’s a pretty good situation to be in as far as where are team is at right now,” Shanahan said. “This is the coolest moment I’ve had in my career just being in a game like this. I used to think that the (interview) rules that aren’t that cool. I love the rules (now) because it’s very simple for me. It’s cut-and-dry. You don’t have an option.”
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