The San Francisco 49ers have requested interviews with two current NFL coordinators to fill their head coaching vacancy, according to various reports Tuesday.
NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora reports that the Niners asked permission to speak to Oakland Raiders offensive coordinator Hue Jackson, according to a league source. Jackson caught the Niners' eye because of the improvement of a young Raiders offense to 10th in the league in 2010. He also was a candidate when Mike Singletary interviewed for the job in 2009.
*Newsday* reported Tuesday that the 49ers also are interested in New York Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell, whose defense led the NFL in turnovers and finished seventh overall. Fewell led the Buffalo Bills to a 3-4 record as their interim coach during the final seven games of 2009.
The 49ers currently do not have a general manager, though several sources, including La Canfora, have reported that that Trent Baalke is expected be promoted to that role.
Fewell and Jackson are African-American, meaning interviewing them would satisfy the "Rooney Rule" that the 49ers interview at least one minority candidate during their search. However, given both coaches' accomplishments and the interest they're likely to draw from other teams -- including Jackson with the Raiders should they decide not to bring back Tom Cable -- their consideration is far from a token gesture.
The 49ers also have been linked to Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh, whom La Canfora reported Tuesday is drawing serious interest from the Miami Dolphins, despite the fact they have a coach in Tony Sparano.
