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Kyle Shanahan to likely accept the San Francisco 49er’s job

By Matthew Brothers

un 17, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan coaches during minicamp at Falcons Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
un 17, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan coaches during minicamp at Falcons Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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NFL league sources are confident Kyle Shanahan will be the next 49er coach.

It should come as no surprise that the Falcon’s offensive coordinator will move on. After producing the highest scoring offense in the league, any team in the market was bound to notice. The 37 year old Kyle Shanahan is headed to an organization without a GM in the mix as well. As the final head coaching job available, a 49er team desperate for offense will turn to the brightest in the business.

San Francisco initially interviewed Shanahan during Atlanta’s first round playoff bye. They are not allowed to contact him again until after the NFC championship game. However, as previously reported, the 49er’s plan to offer Kyle the position whenever the Falcon’s season ends. The fact that Matt Ryan and the offense really clicked this season was vital for Kyle Shanahan. Now, it looks as though he will step into an entirely different situation with the 49er’s.

Offensive struggles plagued the 49er’s last season.

The 49er’s offense only scored 19.3 points a game (27th overall), and averaged almost 182 passing yards good for last in the NFL. With lack of a standout quarterback and an average at best receiving core, coach Shanahan will have his work cut out for him. Colin Kaeperinick has regressed and Blaine Gabbert was an absolute non-factor. However, the 49er defense has more upside, with young standout Deforest Buckner a bright spot.

Nov 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) throws the ball against Atlanta Falcons middle linebacker Paul Worrilow (55) during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) throws the ball against Atlanta Falcons middle linebacker Paul Worrilow (55)  Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

The priority when Kyle Shanahan takes the reins will be to hire a new general manager. The consensus is that he will have at least some say in the hiring process. Kyle has said that he is “definitely excited” about the opportunity to join San Francisco. This clear sign of mutual interest is really all you need to know about the situation. The job Kyle Shanahan has done is season is incredible, but the NFL is a business. With the instability of the 49er’s and the second pick of the draft waiting in the wings, he’ll have some work to do in San Francisco.

Next: Falcon's Top Five Players

All in all, hiring Kyle Shanahan was an important step for the team. No matter how Atlanta’s season ends, Falcon’s fans were spoiled with this offensive attack. So, thanks to Coach Shanahan for everything.

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