The Atlanta Falcons remain alive on the Road to Houston, but their talented offensive coordinator might wind up somewhere else.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday that Kyle Shanahan has emerged as the favorite for San Francisco's head coaching job, per sources informed of the team's thinking.
The 49ers have made that known privately, per Rapoport, but now must wait until Shanahan's season is over before offering him the job. If anyone understands this sequence of events, it's Falcons coach Dan Quinn, the former Seahawks defensive coordinator who wasn't hired by Atlanta until after Seattle's loss to New England in Super Bowl XLIX.
In a related development, Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels on Monday took his name out of the running, telling reporters: "At this time, it's best for my family and myself to remain here."
Rapoport reported that Shanahan and McDaniels were considered "co-favorites" for the Niners job heading into this week. Seahawks assistant Tom Cable has decided to reaffirm his commitment to Seattle, according to his agent, Doug Hendrickson. Rapoport reported that Cable was well regarded and had a legitimate chance to land the job.
Falcons fans will watch this process closely after Shanahan, the son of Super Bowl-winning coach Mike Shanahan, turned Atlanta's offense into a pure whirlwind in 2016.
Patience pays off in coaching searches. As the final team looking for a new leader, San Francisco has a chance to land one of the league's most promising young minds. It certainly gives Niners fans a reason to plug back into the playoffs.
