49ers GM and head-coaching search tracker

Here is everything you need to know about the 49ers’ search for their next general manager and head coach:

Grant’s analysis: The 49ers better pray Eliot Wolf isn’t getting the same advice.

Grant’s analysis: This means the 49ers won’t get the holy trinity of Caserio, Josh McDaniels and Jimmy Garoppolo. So, the Niners should forget all three of them. Acquiring only part of the trinity would be a sin. Instead, the Niners should hire Eliot Wolf as their GM and savior, and let him rebuild the 49ers in his image. Amen.

Grant’s analysis: Beane comes from the front office that let the heart of its team, CB Josh Norman, leave during free agency even though the Panthers had more than enough cap space to re-sign him, and then tried to replace Norman with some no-name second-round draft pick. This extremely arrogant move didn’t work, and the Panthers went 6-10 this season. Beane would be Trent Baalke 2.0.

Grant’s analysis: If the holy trinity of Nick Caserio, Josh McDaniels and Jimmy Garoppolo is Option A, and Eliot Wolf is Option B, then these guys from Seattle would be Option O or P, as in “Pass.” No thank you. The Seahawks can keep them, especially Tom Cable. He would be a terrible hire.

Grant’s analysis: Either of these guys would be terrific. Both come from the Ron Wolf tree of personnel people, and Wolf is the Bill Walsh of personnel executives.

Grant’s analysis: McDermott is the defensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers, and his defense ranked 21st last season. Not good, considering McDermott had some of the best players in the league, including Kawann Short, Thomas Davis and Luke Kuechly. If the 49ers want a defensive coordinator as their next head coach, they should hire the best DC in the NFL — Vic Fangio.

Grant’s analysis: Again, why is Jed York interviewing potential head coaches before hiring a general manager? No good GM will come to Santa Clara if he can’t pick his own head coach. Hello! Hello! Anybody home?! Hey, think, McFly! Think!

Grant’s analysis: Why are the Vikings a team to emulate? They’re a mediocre franchise. And whom would Paton bring with him as his head coach, anyway? Norv freaking Turner? And why haven’t the 49ers scheduled an interview yet with Falcons assistant GM Scott Pioli? He’s the only candidate who has actually been a GM before. Experience matters. He should be near the top of the 49ers’ short list.

Grant’s analysis: This is a joke, right? This guy shouldn’t even be on Jed York’s radar. The 49ers are the only team with an opening at GM — they should be able to hire the best candidate available. If they hire someone like Raye III, that just shows that quality front office people don’t want to work for York.

Grant’s analysis: Why is Jed York interviewing potential head coaches and general managers at the same time? York has no clue what he’s doing.

Grant’s analysis: The 49ers hiring Joseph would be like the Raiders hiring Dennis Allen in 2012. Not a great move, but maybe a necessary one for a team that has to start over from scratch and create a brand new culture.

Grant’s analysis: Riddick is a television personality who has been out of the league since 2013. If the Niners want a T.V. guy, why not just sign Mel Kiper Jr.? He’s about as qualified as Riddick. A better GM candidate would be Phil Savage, the executive director of the Senior Bowl. Savage works yearly with the league office in New York to select the best college players to play in the Senior Bowl, and has as much credibility as the front office people in Seattle and Green Bay. The Niners should interview that guy.

Grant’s analysis: I would rank the 49ers last on this list. The Bills have much better wide receivers and running backs than the 49ers.

Grant’s analysis: Why would Kyle Shanahan choose the 49ers over those teams? The 49ers have no quarterback. Quarterbacks are kind of important.

Grant’s analysis: This shows you what respected NFL personnel people think of the 49ers. The organization is toxic.

This article has 948 Comments

  1. Ya Phil Savage who ran the Browns further into the ground. Drafted Trent Richardson third overall and then proceeded to draft Branden Weeden. You have no clue what your talking about when it comes to Louis Riddick… Do some research instead of talking out of your you know what. One of the most respected GM candidates across the NFL!

    1. I completely concur RAW.

      Riddick said on TV that the 49ers are the most intriguing position because of the fact that this is a wipeout and clean slate. I disagree, because a clean slate would be to fire Guido and maybe Maraathe, but I’m picking up what he’s putting down.

      Look, this is not an optimal situation for 6 of the 7 teams, because probably the most qualified coach is going to take the Denver job and that leaves the other 6 teams to pick up the leftovers.

      There are only 32 of these jobs- GM and head coach. All this talk about the 49ers GM and head coaching gig being undesirable is hogwash. I can’t tell you that there are probably hundreds of coaches and coordinators from college and the NFL that would die to coach an NFL team.

      As much as I hate Jed York for firing Harbaugh and leaving this franchise in shambles, I have to admit that his stupid heart is in the right place here. This is the last chance I am giving him thought.

      It seems that the consensus from supposed 49ers fans on this blog is that we are going to be the Browns forever. The Raiders turned things around in 3 years from what was once a dumpster fire and less talent than the 49ers, so I believe that if the right GM/HC tandem is hired, we’ll be back soon enough. That’s a big “if” though.

      Bills, Texans, Browns, Miami, Indy, Rams are all teams that have it worse than the 49ers.

      1. Bling-

        There is every reason to believe York’s heart is NOT in the right spot. He runs the 9ers like a dollar store, with the same incentives-his comfort.
        And as more info comes out, Baalke wasn’t just an ego-maniacal boob, he was also something of a villian……..point being, York turned his eye to this because it was the path of least resistance-it was expedient–for him.

        1. I understand that completely but the breaking point for me would have been if York kept Baalke or Kelly or both. That would have TO ME that he for sure doesn’t care.

          At least now I have a little hope.

          What’s the point of being a fan is you don’t have faith that things will turn around? I can only speak for myself, but there’s no way I would be keeping my season tickets and dumping my SBL’s if I didn’t have faith.

          1. You have me there-I have no faith in York. He’s still a petulant, soft little owner who surrounds himself with cool-aid drinkers.

    2. Savage was the Browns GM 2005-2008. He was long gone when Mike Holmgren drafted Richardson and Weeden

  2. What is so bad about Joseph? I thought he did a great job despite the injuries and brash personalities on the Dolphins defense.

      1. Maybe you should crib from all the tweets, not just the ones that allow you work on your Skip Bayless impression:

        Ian Rapoport ✔ @RapSheet
        From my understanding, Chris Ballard would not have interviewed anywhere this year. Loves KC & his situation

        https://twitter.com/serthhi/status/816080177096601600

        Cue Grant: “And I would have gotten away with it too, if it weren’t for you meddling kids!”

    1. I’d forgotten that Vance Joseph was with the 49ers from 2005 through 2010. When you live in the Bay Area and then leave, people often long to return if for no other reason than the climate. Most don’t because of the very high cost of living, but that shouldn’t be much of a problem for a guy on an NFL HC’s salary. Besides if the state taxes are an issue, the 49ers can always increase the salary to cover it (reminds me of an old boss whose mantra was: “you gotta make me whole”). Not saying Joseph is the guy, but I hope the 49ers do increase compensation if state taxes are an issue – for the right guy that is. Much cheaper than having a 4th fired HC on the payroll and more importantly an even more p*ssed off fan base.

  3. The only reason I can think of as to why the 49ers are ranked ahead of the Bills is because they offer the opportunity for a complete reset. New GM, new HC, new QB. Bills are locked in at GM and the first big decision is what to do with their starting QB.

        1. That fifth place ranking is for the HC position.

          You know what the 49ers ranking is for GM candidates? Number 1, of course, it’s currently the only NFL GM job open…

          I would think when you consider that a new HC would be coming with a new GM, or vice Versa, would enhance the 49ers job.

          Naturally, this effect would definitely be negatively offset by Jed York being the owner.

          But there has to be an appeal to the 49ers being a blank slate, with a few good pieces, high draft picks, and lots of cap space. The 49ers will probably have to overpay. Too bad for Jed.

      1. This one comment shows how totally out of touch grant is. His comments are useless. McCoy is awesome but done in a year or two. Hyde the better long term back. Watkins is Mr glass and undependable. Draft Mike Williams and then who would u rather have Williams and Hyde or old man McCoy and Mr glass?

    1. CK7 is better than any 2017 draft QB. If Myles Garrett is taken by the Cleve. BNs then draft the best LB available Reuben Foster>>>LB or DT>>>WR, etc.

      1. While Riddick’s been out of the league for 3 years he held Director positions with Wash and Philly. Has Mel Kiper done that? Total cheap shot

              1. You have carte blanche at hiring a coach (obviously ones that are available). Who are you taking?

      2. At least try to be a journalist and do your homework, out of respect for readers.
        Riddick played 8 years, plus scouted and held front office positions for 12, working with a “who’s who” of the NFL’s best minds. Never seen such journalistic laziness. Ever.

        1. Riddick is scraping the bottom of the barrel, and you want to anoint him as the next Bill Walsh.

          Jed was surrounded by greatness, but that did not mean that any of it rubbed off on him.

          Journalistic laziness is just believing everything one reads and then cutting and pasting. Grant does not do that. Even though I disagree vehemently with him at times, I recognize Grant’s original and unique perspective.

          Sounds like you are another FO shill, doing their bidding.

        2. The issue is not Riddick’s background but his absence from the front office scene. If he’s pretty decent GM material AND is very motivated, why is wasting his time probably making under $500K/year at ESPN? Motivation, drive and dedication to the job should be very important along with eye for talent.

          Niners should have learned their lesson from the GM (handpicked by Bill Walsh) who gutted the franchise while running the show from his home in Newport Beach, probably just managing his financial portfolio all the while.

  4. Riddick has been a high ranking executive, Director of Pro Personnel to be exact, for both the Redskins & Eagles. As recently as 2013.

    As far as the desirability of the 49ers job is concerned, coming on board as GM, with the ability to chose, not only his HC, but also his choice of top QB prospects seems awfully inticing to me. The 49ers will roll over a boatload of Cap Space as well.

    The NFC West is no longer the toughest division in the NFL, and a strong argument can be made that the 49ers are already above the basement of the division, with 2 wins over the 4-12 Rams, who have far less draft Capitol at their disposal, thanks to the soon to be labeled BUST that is Jarred Goff.

    1. The Rams will likely have every pick except for their first in the 2017 draft. Part of the deal with Tennessee involved the Rams being able to give a compensatory 3rd round pick instead of their own if they were awarded one. They are expected to get one according to the sites that predict the compensatory picks so the Rams will have a full assortment of picks with the exception of their first. Not nearly as dire as some are making it out to be and certainly not a deterrent for HC candidates.

      The 49er job only becomes enticing if Jed agrees to give full autonomy in regards to football decisions to the potential GM/HC candidates. The fact Jed won’t even bring in someone to decide who the best candidates are, leads me to believe that likely won’t be the case.

      1. Why should Jed hire a guy just to hire a guy? Who did Eddie hire to chose Walsh…oh right, he chose him himself. The only way Jed choses someone to hire the coach is if he hires the GM first. Then the GM will be the guy finding the coach.

        if you owned a business and you were going to hire your top exec, would you ask someone else to do it for you?

        1. If you are looking for both a GM and HC, it makes the most sense to hire the GM first, and at the very least, have the new GM be part of the process of hiring a HC. I think Jed finally understands that these 2 positions need to work in tandem, with synergy, in order to achieve long term success.

          If Jed hires a HC first, he’s making a mistake. It’s OK to interview for the HC position in advance of hiring a GM, but, IMO, you’ve got to make the GM part of the process, or else you run the risk of power struggles, and a shaky sense of hierarchy within the organization.

          1. There are six headcoach job openings..
            You don’t want to miss out..Cause youre still looking at Gm’s
            Believe it or not…The Gm hire will be the easiest..
            Also we’re picking the brains of the Coaches and who they wanna work with.Getting ideas and pointers on how to turn things around..
            The Coach might hold out for us..If we are the better deal after
            speaking to other teams..Which you should always weigh offers anyway.
            But…Least we can say we talked to every candidate.
            First option,Second,Third Etc….The point is to have options
            I think Jed wants Mcdaniels or Kyle..as a hunch for headcoach
            Gm…Casserio,Riddick or Wolf

        2. eM……….

          When you dont understand the difference between your head and your arse–and I am talking specifically about Jed York–and are considered the worst CEO in all of pro sports, its always best to hire the best people you can hire and have them make the football decisions. Give them what they need, then step back and demand results. All smart owners do that.
          Jed has never done that.

          See Warriors e.g. Jerry West.

          1. I don’t think Jerry West hired Kerr or Jackson, he merely advised Lacob.

            You really don’t know Joe Lacob if you think he’d let someone else do that for him.

            1. eM..

              No no, I’m talking about West’s insight into players/coaches. Every decision West makes, it turns to gold. Wherever he goes, the team wins-because of his judgements.
              My point is, Jed sorely needs someone like that making decisions on the 9ers. He needs to sign paychecks and get far, far away-like Eddie.

              1. But West is merely an adviser for the Warriors. He isn’t the GM. He is a resource to which Meyers and Lacob can go but they are the ones making the decisions. Jed has said many a times he reaches out to guys like Eddie, Parcells, Montana and asks their advice/insight.

                You are crediting West way too much for the Warriors success. He reports to Lacob/Grueber/Meyers.

                Even in Memphis the best they ever did with him as GM was make the playoffs. Yeah he did some moves to help them with Gasoll, but the team has yet to ever make a western conference finals, not to mention win it, or win a champhionship.

  5. To me the 49ers could be the best opportunity if the culture has actually changed.

    The fact they have no real good players or big contracts is actually a plus.

    You can mold them into whatever you want to be with more than ample salary cap space and high draft picks.

    All that is if the culture has changed….

    1. Todd,

      Changing a culture is not as easy as it sounds. See the Browns, Rams, Jax…

      Over the past 12 years, how many times did the Niners make it to the playoffs? Only three, and those were under the man who changed the culture and was quickly ran off town….for changing the culture.

      Expect more of the same. Jed has gone through this before and is a master at raising expectations: keep the press busy, keep fans at the edge of their seats and busy on blogs, sell more tickets with a new coach, and give the fans the same awful coach/team.

      1. Chess GM–

        For what it’s worth, I think you are absolutely spot on. Jed likes to perform his version of the shell game.
        I think there’s every reason to believe the deck chairs on the Titanic are being arranged.
        Who was it, Robert Irsay……..???? who, upon taking the Colts out of Baltimore, said long ago to the people of that City…….”this is not your team, this is my team and I’ll do with it as I please”. The same generations of fans who supported Johnny Unitas etc., etc.
        Now we have Jed York telling us, in effect, the same thing-“I am the owner and you can’t touch me”.
        These people are dangerous and toxic in that their complete lack of humility keeps them from learning anything. And York’s gig is such that he doesn’t have to-he makes boatloads of money, their is no incentive to do your best, to win.
        Under the York’s, 9ers should probably be written off. Very dark, I know. I sincerely apologize for that.

      2. We had a lot of number one picks that coach won with(2005-2010)
        and a Good 2011 draft and Free agency…So cupboard wasn’t bare..
        He didn’t start from ground zero…

        That’s the beauty of our next Gm/Coach
        Pick your Qb,Revamp the whole roster…
        Picking high in each round..
        All That salary cap to fill holes with Veterans and Young Free agent Talents
        Putting your stamp on the team immediately is very intriguiging..to the candidates…..

  6. Really, Grant? Phil Savage over Louis Riddick? You’re high! Riddick has experience as a personnel guy in the front office with a few teams in the NFL,and began his career as a scout. Just like the guy stated earlier, you should have done your homework before making a thoughtless remark.

    1. Seems to me Grant’s point was a personnel guy nobody wanted so he ended up in TV would be a stupid move as the 49ers GM. If your franchise is so dysfunctional and desperate they can’t attract top notch talent then you have to think outside the box with someone like Phil Savage. Don’t think Grant was promoting Savage as option #1.

      1. Phil savage was a failure. Louis Riddick is not.. Riddick is regarded as one of the best GM candidates in the NFL. Don’t believe me that’s fine. Read Tim Kawakami’s articles. John Middlekauf who was a scout.. People are very very high on Louis.

          1. Your articles make me laugh…. You can’t be taken seriously… Your pumping up Phil Savage lMAO

            1. Riddick uniformed LMAO…. Said the guy who writes for the Press Democrat…. ?

            2. Riddick is going to be the hire. Grant’s just trying to get on his bad side before he even interviews.
              ; >)

              I have no idea who will be hired, but I think Grant’s dead wrong on this one. These national commentators are constantly ringing up their league contacts just to do their tv jobs. And people take their calls. Who outside the Bay Area takes Grant’s or Lowell’s or TK’s calls?
              I also like Riddick’s resume. Player, scout, Personnel.
              To be determined, but as to prophecies, I notice Denise didn’t fire Jed and the national media is smirking at Bay Area media for the ‘going to fire yourself?’ hilarity.

            1. I have never said he was an expert.. Nor is Maiacco etc.. It’s not a secret that they all have heard what a quality candidate Louis Riddick is though.. They have sources unlike Grant who talks garbage.

              1. Well, Riddick may be desperate enough to come to the Niners. However, I will not use his name in a sentence with Caserio , Ballard or Pioli.

        1. Agreed RAW. Yes, he’s been out of the league for a few years, but he’s got years of experience and plenty of contacts.

          Bottom line:

          a) Does Riddick know how to identify good football players on both sides of the ball? Anyone can scout talent. The question is, do they understand what it is that makes a good football player. It’s not simply about how talented a player currently is. It’s about whether that player has the character, work ethic, and desire to be the best player he can be, and the ability to develop and become great.

          b) Does Riddick work well with others? Is he able to put his ego aside and view players from the head coach’s perspective as well? Does he know the difference between a guy who plays football, or a football player.

          The fact that he’s been an analyst for the last few years doesn’t make a difference to me. In fact, it could help give him a fresh perspective.

      2. I think your being generous – Grant mailed it in. No indication he even knew Riddick’s background. Comparable to Mel Kiper Jr.? Just pathetic. Lots of top coaches and execs have done media for a few years and come back.

    2. I have nothing against Louis Riddick, but I’m puzzled as to how he is a hot name on the list of candidates. He’s had two fairly short stints as a Pro Personnel Director and has been out of the league since 2013. How in any way does that equate to being a top option for a GM job in the NFL?

      1. Agree.

        I don’t really follow football execs so I am no expert as to who is good or not, but Riddick’s resume doesn’t scream top candidate.

        1. Great thing about this is that time will tell. I’d be very happy with him as GM.

        2. Grant,

          You should talk to your buddy Tim Kawakami, who actally suggested Louis Riddick in one of his articles a few weeks back. There is a reason Riddick is on T.V., with ESPN no less – Riddick knows what he is talking about. The man has been in and around the NFL since 2001 working in various positions that has given him the experience to be qualified as a GM. You should do your homework before you open your mouth, with stuff like Phil Savage, who was an utter failure at Cleveland.

          And by the way, do you really think Jed is going to listen to you, Grant? Are you one of his trusted voices that he is listening to about who to hire? Not!!!

          1. “There is a reason Riddick is on T.V., with ESPN no less – Riddick knows what he is talking about.”

            LOL…maybe York should go after Trent Dilfer too.

          2. You got with that “Not!!!” bit… At first I thought you were seriously asking if Grant was one of York’s advisors. But then: Not!!! And I knew you were just be sarcastic… Good one!! Not!!!

          1. David,
            I brought up Romo’ name about a couple of months ago as an intriguing idea.
            I don’t think he will stay with the ‘boy’s’ if he is asked to be a backup.

            If this guy can stay upright he is one of the most accurate QB’s in the league. He would make the perfect ‘bridge’ QB and mentor to our next young QB for a couple of years. Of course, staying healthy has been the biggest challenge for TR over the years. But if he’s available come April, I would make a pitch or him because he would be our starter in September.

            1. Agreed, but the 49ers will need to strengthen their pass protection.

        3. Yeah, ’cause you’ve got connections to NFL people. We see you Grant, and it’s not professional. Out.

        4. What I like about Riddick is that he would be a very good resource in selecting talent because of his work throughout the season preparing for the draft.
          I’m sure that he already has some valuable notes on players entering the draft in April and for a team desperately in need of talent, Riddick would be a goldmine of knowledge.

          Being in the media and working as a talent analysis actually makes him attractive as a GM imo.

          1. Add the fact he was a player and has previously worked in the league.
            Compared to these other candidates he is not as polished but I’m hearing he is very intelligent and a good evaluator of talent.
            What would make his hire a good one is to land a McDaniels or Kyle Shanahan.

      2. Rocket I have similar thoughts on nearly everyone on this list. None of these guys are a home run, they are all potentials and unproven. Riddick has had success in two different organizations but finds himself jobless. Savage is a scout and all the other guys are working at some lower level in another organization. Its very similar to hiring coordinators as HC’s. Its really hard to tell their talent apart from the success of the organization around them.

        When was the last time a coordinator or assistant personnel position came in and turned around an organization and won a SB? I am just wondering how well this NFL precedent of hiring the hot coordinator actually works out for teams?

        1. Most of the teams in the playoffs are led by HC’s who were formerly Coordinators, so that seems to be the best way to go in terms of hiring new HC’s. As with most things, there isn’t one cut and dried way to do it, but from my point of view, experience in running an offense or defense is a must for a potential HC, and being heavily involved in scouting and hiring people to scout, is a must for a potential GM.

          1. Most of the teams out of the playoffs were also run by head coaches that were coordinators previously. Sooo, that doesn’t seem to be a strong argument.

          2. But..Rocket when was the last former coordinator first time HC to win a SB. I agree experience is valuable in moving to HC. I am not saying its not valuable, just seems like most of the guys who’ve won had a previous HC job before they changed teams and won a SB. If that’s true McDaniel’s is our best option.

            I google it. You have to go back pretty far to find someone who moved to HC from a coordinator position and took a team to the SB over a few years. Look over the list and help me see what you think about who wins.

            https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Super_Bowl_head_coaches

            1. Mike Tomlin is the most recent with 1 year of DC experience, then Billick and Holmgren is the next.

              1. And Tomlin didn’t install his D at the Steelers either. He let the coordinators install the O and D. He runs the team.

              2. I guess John Harbaugh, Payton and McCarthy are coordinators to first time HC’s as well. In that same stretch there were 9 coaches with previous HC positions. I am not going to work through the whole list. Looks like both coaches with previous HC positions and coordinators are good choices.

                I wonder how many failures there are in both these categories?

              3. Just glancing at it, what jumps out is that pretty near every guy on that list was a coordinator in the NFL before becoming a HC. Jimmy Johnson and Dick Vermeil were the outliers I saw, but overall we now know why teams hire coordinators for the most part. There definitely is a link with former HC’s winning with their second or third team as well. No definitive answer here, but the best bet is to hire a coordinator from a successful organization or a former NFL HC who has learned from their prior experience.

              4. John Harbaugh is kinda an outlier because he is the only one to go from a ST coach to HC, and win a SB. At least I think that is what I read.

              5. “Tomlin is a good HC.”

                Heck yeah. That’s the benefit of getting a real leader that is passionate and relates to his players, and smart enough to know he doesn’t have to run everything.

              6. I was on the top coordinator thing for a while but this has opened me up to former HC’s as well. I used to just ignore them.

                I’d love for us to find the next Tomlin. Do you guys notice in many of the other successful organizations you don’t hear much about the owners. Kraft we hear about a bit. In Denver we don’t hear much hear. Seems like when you start hearing from the owners things are a mess.

              7. “I’d love for us to find the next Tomlin.”

                Toub, Austin and Joseph would be the guys I see being discussed that may best fit the Tomlin mould.

              8. Ugh, Tomlin is a good coach, but he inherited a SB team. He’s not a great coach though.

                The common theme here are these teams have/had established, HOF quaterbacks.

                Harbaugh took Alex Smith, made him a winner and then built up Kaepernick to look like a winner.

              9. It’s a very different team these days to the one he inherited, yet he keeps that team winning. It helps that he has an excellent GM and patient owner, but not many coaches can boast that his worst year was 8-8 after 10 seasons as a HC. Credit where credit is due, he is more than just a good coach.

      3. Rocket,

        Nobody else wants the job. They have to hire someone at some point. Heck! These are the people who hired Tomsula and Chip back to back, and fired the best coach they’ve had in decades. Still think they will make a rational decision?! No.

        Who cares if Riddick can’t coach, he can’t, but he’ll take the job anyway, he’ll get fired next year when the Niners end their season with 2 wins (against the Rams), and he’ll walk away with Jed’s money.

      4. Because he has a reputation of being a very smart guy when it comes to evaluating football players, That’s why. Plus, he has 7 years experience as Director of Personnel at the NFL level as well as 5 years as a pro scout. Riddick knows his stuff.

  7. Also Grant, the remark you made about Chris Ballard from KC not wanting to interview with the 49ers – Ballard stated he is happy where he is, and he is not interviewing with anyone, so Ballard choosing not to interview has nothing to do with the 49ers. Another thoughtless remark on your part.

    1. “…and he is not interviewing with anyone, so Ballard choosing not to interview has nothing to do with the 49ers.”

      Nobody else is hiring a GM. Why would he interview with anybody else who aren’t hiring?

  8. Why wouldn’t Wade Phillips be in line to be the next Bronco’s head coach? His defense is the reason they won that Superbowl. Is he going to stay on as the DC under a new head coach, especially a kid the age of Kyle Shanahan? Seems like a potential power struggle that may make the Bronco’s job less appealing.

    1. Wade kinda failed as a HC, and would probably just concede that he is more suited as the DC.

      1. Wade absolutely failed as a HC. Up to 2 years ago, he was saying he still wanted a shot at redemption though.

      2. Wade was as much as the HC in Dallas as every HC was in Oakland when Big Al was still handing out game plans every Sunday.

    1. Interesting read but I don’t put much stock in anything written by Kawakami. He writes rumor and innuendo as if they are cold hard facts. I don’t find him to be a responsible or trustworthy reporter. Though, it is Interesting how he throws Paraag Marathe under the bus. The way TK writes this, Dysfunction has a name and it’s called Paraag Marathe.

      1. From an organization like the current York 49ers, who is going to get “cold hard facts” that isn’t in their pocket?

        Kawakami makes it clear that his conclusions are his opinion. You do know that, like Lowell, Tim is an opinion feature writer, and not a beat writer. Opinion is his job.

        1. I know TK is an opinion writer. But he writes things like,

          “Last January, Hue Jackson was Jed’s top choice all the way, and they did a cursory interview with Kelly (and didn’t love him, obviously, because they didn’t hire him) before getting to Jackson, but it was always directed at Jackson.”

          This is not framed as TK’s opinion. This is framed as a statement of fact. Mike Silver reported at the time that Jackson wanted the 49ers but Jed et al weren’t interested. I’m not sure how TK could have possibly known who Jed wanted. In my opinion TK is full of crap.

      2. It’s funny how Marathe has been scapegoated as the source of all Niners’ ills based on rumors, innuendos, exaggeration, misinformation, and some fabrication.

        This guy is a competent business guy who has been asked by a range of bosses (from Donahue, Nolan and of course Jed) to do some football analytics which rubbed some people the wrong way. Nolan asked him to consult the NFL rulebook during game day from the booth on potential challenges, and the rumor arose that Marathe is trying to become the coach. The guy has his faults but what’s the proof that he is the source of all leaks and not “Joan in payroll” (who learns of any impending firing pretty early)!

        If anyone wants to hear Ian Rappaport (this morning on KNBR) talk about what the front offices of the rest of the league thinks about Marathe, here’s the link:
        http://www.knbr.com/football-news-podcasts/

        1. Paraag is the leaker, and nothing you say will change that fact. The fact that Baalke is gone, and the leaks continue, just point again to Paraag through the process of elimination.

          Potential candidates are not stupid. The only need to call Tomsula, to get the truth.

        2. Some claim Paraag is well respected, but that is only for his business acumen and his contracts, not his football knowledge.

          They do not respect his football knowledge, because from the first day Paraag was hired, he has been responsible for many poor decisions. When Dr York chose Paraag’s advice over Bill Walsh’s, the team was doomed. JH gave them a sliver of hope, but he was no fan of Paraag.

          1. Smearing Paraag because of rumors that he is spreading rumors is out of line IMO. Personally I think that the problem lies with the fact that the Yorks are seen as putting their own financial interests ahead of running a first class NFL franchise. When Paraag attends meetings and presents the image that he is an important part of the decision process what is one supposed to think? He’s a cover two expert and wants to discuss man vs. zone coverage? Of course not. The first thing that people think is WTF is this business person doing here talking serious football? I don’t know the man and will not judge him based on limited knowledge. But I suspect that Paraag’s presence merely reinforces the fact that no matter what the York’s say, it is all about money at the end of the day. In business it’s called “bad optics”. Talk football with the football people and let their respective reps work out the business details. That’s good optics and has a better chance at success.

  9. “Grant’s analysis: Why would Kyle Shanahan choose the 49ers over those teams? The 49ers have no quarterback. Quarterbacks are kind of important.” + 10 million

    On the other hand, it would be a feather in the cap of an offensive guru to have a top 5 passing offense with no quarterback on the roster.

    1. Kyle Shanahan as HC probably means that Mike Shanahan would be the GM. For Kyle Shanahan, that might be a reason he would choose the 49ers over other teams.

    2. B2W,
      One thing that might be attractive to a potential 49er HC is that if they get fired they will still get paid.
      I heard (believe KNBR) that the 49ers are paying out nearly 30 mil for HC no longer with the team – maybe it’s not such a bad gig after all.

      1. Hahaha, AES. Yeah. It’s like fighting Tyson.
        Get in the ring. Get knocked stupid. Heal up. Spend the money

  10. A 49er bias on a 49er message board, who would have guessed?

    The Niner job is among the least attractive for a myriad of reasons:

    Terrible ownership
    Lack of security due to that terrible ownership
    One of the least talented rosters in the league
    No impact players at the most important positions

    Every other job that is available comes with a better roster. The one thing the Niners can offer is a ton of cap space, but many teams have cap space so just how much impact the new Coach and GM can make with it is to be determined.

    I would rank the jobs like this:

    Denver: Forgot about them earlier but this is a ready made SB contender and the best situation any HC candidate could hope for.

    LA: Good young talent especially on defense, a strong say in personnel most likely, attractive to FA’s, and not many changes that need to be made in order to become a playoff contender.

    Jax: A ton of young talent across the board and I’d put them ahead of LA if they weren’t in one of the worst markets in the league.

    SD: Would be higher if it wasn’t for the fact they are in limbo as to where they will play next year and in the future. HOF caliber QB and good roster needing better luck on the injury front. Ownership is a negative here as well.

    Buffalo: It’s a toss up between the Bills and 49ers as to which is the worse job, but I give the Bills the edge because of a better roster. They have issues with the FO and ownership, a market that players don’t like very much and have gone through a number of HC’s which gives the impression of a lack of patience and security.

    SF: Jed York has created one of the least appealing Coaching jobs in professional sports because of his mismanagement and quick trigger for firing. Stuck with a GM who put together the worst roster in the league and couldn’t get along with anybody but Jed. Little talent to work with, a poor reputation around the league, but hey at least it’s one of only 32.

    1. +1 Unfortunately this disaster was and is the Yorks to own. LA has a stadium deal and an attractive market too. The only thing going for the 49ers right now is weather.

      Sadly the franchise stinks. And it stinks because the Yorks are inept owners who mismanage this golden egg and actually managed to kill the goose.

    2. Rocket,

      You’re completely ignoring a very important point: the 49ers are currently the only team looking for both an HC and GM.

      Coming in with a new GM who is in the same page has got to be something of a positive.

      All the negatives you mentioned are true, but there has got to some appeal to a team that needs to be rebuilt and has resources to do it (i.e., picks and cap space).

      1. Not ignoring it ex, just looking at the jobs from a prospective new HC’s point of view. If Jed hires a competent and respected GM, that will be a big plus, but the negatives still remain as far as the roster. No matter who the Niners hire, they have a big job in front of them to fix years of mistakes made by Baalke.

        1. Rocket,

          Well, you didn’t mention that the GM and HC would be coming in together being an advantage the 49ers have that no other team looking for a HC has, so I hope you can see why I assumed you’re ignoring that fact.

          As for the negatives, I’m aware they remain, as evidenced by me mentioning them in my post, above. Nonetheless, the 49ers being a clean slate will be attractive to some candidates. I’ve heard a number of NFL analysts saying this very thing.

          Admittedly, there are a those who feel the 49ers remain one of the worst open HCing jobs, new GM or not. Fortunately, the 49ers only need one good candidate each for GM and HC. Unfortunately, Jed York is making the call.

          Let’s face it, the 49ers need to get lucky.

    1. Why are people so high on Kirchner? Have the Seahawks drafted that well the last few years?

      1. Good point Scooter. Seattle has landed some mid and late round gems, but they have missed on quite a few day one and two picks and made some questionable decisions overall in personnel. I’m not necessarily against the idea of bringing in somebody from Seattle, but there are some big question marks involved.

        1. They choose guys where winning is all that matters. Sure they have missed on some guys but overall as far as having a culture and building on it each year, no one does it better than NE and SEA.
          Of course you need your HC to be on that same page and any new GM will have his own choice. That’s why this is the attractive job out there!

          1. It’s hard for to tell with Seattle. Who have they drafted that was any good since Scott M. Left?

      2. Kirchner is in charge of pro player personnel. He was the genius behind the Jimmy Graham trade.

        1. Genius? Scott put that team together. Genius?? Oh boy. The Hawks are on their way down and will be bottom dwellers within two years.

  11. RT analysis

    1. York is still the problem. I question his football and business acumen.
    2. I get the feeling he can be easily manipulated (baalke last 3 years) . He is not an independent thinker or a strong person. In other words, Jedi mind tricks would easily work on him. Or other words, he would have been one of the suckers who got defrauded by Trump at Trump U.

    3. He and baalke tried to nickel and dime Adam Gase. Gase said no and is now in the playoffs. Meanwhile, Jed is paying out salaries to 3 HC. Can’t make this up.

    4. Mike Smith D coordinator Tampa is my pick for HC. He is a smart successful coach and had several playoff seasons with Atlanta.

    Jed must recuse himself. He is a liability.

  12. If they want to consider former GMs or guys who’ve been sitting in front of tv cameras lately then I would bring in Ted Sundquist. Interviewed once before with us for GM in 2010. Very active GM that had some success in the post Elway days in Denver. Was a top scout during their SuperBowl run. Likes to make moves. “During his tenure, Sundquist helped Denver land players such as John Lynch, Daniel Graham, Al Wilson, John Mobley, Brandon Marshall, Mike Anderson, Olandis Gary, Clinton Portis (WAS), Reggie Hayward (JAX), Trevor Pryce (BAL), Brian Griese (TB), Deltha O’Neal (NE), and Nick Harris (DET). Sundquist was known[by whom?] for being one of the more active GMs in player acquisition through drafting, signing free agents and trades.
    Under Sundquist, the Broncos became one of the league’s most active traders. His most notable move came just before the 2004 season, when he dealt star running back Clinton Portis to the Washington Redskins in exchange for cornerback Champ Bailey, another to obtain Dre Bly from the Detroit Lions, and a No. 2 draft pick that turned out to be Tatum Bell. He also engineered a 2006 draft-day deal with St. Louis allowing Denver to move from the No. 29 overall pick to No. 11, where they selected Vanderbilt quarterback Jay Cutler. As a result, Sundquist’s GM term was the start of a franchise-record five consecutive winning seasons”

    Better choice then Pioli.

  13. Reason why SF should be the best opportunity if you look at it rationally (something greatly lacking in this region amongst not just fans).

    Cap room. 49ers have an enormous amount of cap space and are given the green light to spend it as seen fit. Argue all you want but look at this ownerships history and see they are not against spending and getting the top free agents at the time (Justin Smith, Jonas Jennings, Clements to name a few) or paying their top players position highs (believe Vernon and Willis were at one point highest paid). This idea the team is cheap is false.

    Draft picks/position: #2 pick. Not sure on the compensatory picks but believe there are a few coming as well that #2 pick could and should be traded to acquire as many 1st to 3rd round picks as possible.

    Clean slate: Theres no set qb, no set player, no sacred cows on the team. This gives whomever comes in as GM and Coach to get who they want, release who they want, and mold this team to fit their vision.

    Time: With Baalke gone and Chip gone, the GM and Coach will have a fresh start and the time needed to turn it around. Jimmy T and Chip were expected to win now, Baalke was expected to turn it around. That mindest is gone.

    I would say fanbase but listening to KNBR and the callers and reading a lot of those on this board truly makes me wonder just how knowledgeable this fanbase truly is. Heard that someone said they should bring in the coach from De La Salle, seriously? People wanting Jed to work with Steve, Brent, etc…what do these guys know about hiring a coach?? None of the niner greats have been in a front office setting ever (outside of Keena Turner who is with the team) and most of them haven’t been in an NFL locker room in ages. Nice sentiment but lets get real, not everyone is Larry Bird.

    1. eMJay,

      Your position has nothing to do with rationality. It is the opinion of a 49er fan who is convinced everything will work out and the team is in great shape. You are one of about 4-5 on this board who can’t see things realistically and get bent out of shape when the counter argument is presented.

      Your points have a number of flaws:

      If you click on the link you will see that most of the league is in good to excellent cap shape which means the Niners will face a lot of competition in FA.

      http://overthecap.com/salary-cap-space/

      The high draft pick is attractive, but every other team that has a Coaching vacancy features a better roster than the 49ers, and every one of them with the exception of the Rams, has a full allotment of draft picks. The Niners are predicted to have one compensatory pick at the end of the 4th round.

      Your Clean Slate argument is ridiculous. There is nothing positive about not having players to build around already in place. Every job out there offers most of the same responsibilities and power to any prospective HC. The difference is how much talent is already on the roster and the Niners are at the bottom of the list in that regard.

      Your time argument also isn’t supported by what has actually transpired here. In the 8 years Jed has been the President of the 49ers, he has gone through 4 HC’s and will be hiring his 5th in year 9. There is zero stability guaranteed for potential HC’s looking at this job based on Jed’s history.

      Forget about questioning the knowledge of those who don’t agree with you. You are the one lacking knowledge and objectivity when it comes to commenting on this team.

      1. I’m going to add one additional point to your list.

        The cap requires that all teams spend at least 89% of the cap over a four year period. 2016 was the fourth year of that cycle. Given all the cap space the 49ers had this year, they just made the minimum spending level for the cycle 2013 through 2016.

        Who’s to say that Jed won’t play “minimum spending (89%)” ball over the next four year cycle? His closest friend manages contracts and the cap after all.

        Maybe he won’t, but he did this year. It’s also very consistent with his parents views on spending. A big portion of the 49er four year decline is related to who the 49ers chose to not pay with a new contract.

      2. Well Brent Jones…someone so many fans want in the room with Jed when he is interviewing, basically confirmed what I just said.

    1. If he was considered such a hot commodity inside the league he would have been employed by it the past 3 years.

      The glaring omission from the article is the result of his time spent with those two NFL teams. The Redskins only pro bowl players during Riddicks time there were free agents or drafted before he arrived.

      After accomplishing almost nothing with the Redskins he spent all of 5 seasons with the Eagles. His last 3 seasons were during Kelly’s 3 seasons there as well. What has the team been doing with the players acquired during that time? Bouncing them right out the door.

      Yea, sounds like a great candidate to run an entire team. With all that success I can’t believe teams aren’t knocking down his door…at ESPN.

      1. If he was considered such a hot commodity inside the league he would have been employed by it the past 3 years.

        That may not be completely true. His time with the Eagles may have soured him on being in an NFL front office, so he decided to step away. The more I read about the Eagles owner, the more it seems like he is the reason why that team struggles.

            1. Riddick was named Pro Personnel director in 2010. His first two years with that title the Eagles went 12-20, Reid was fired, and then Riddick was fired after one year with Chip Kelly. Sounds like the perfect fit for the 49ers.

          1. The Eagles were a SB contender under Lurie until Heckert left and Roseman became GM. It’s been downhill ever since.

            1. It went downhill for Heckert too until he landed in Denver. Philly should have found a way to keep the band together.

    2. I don’t see anything in there that makes much of an argument for him as the best option for a GM job in the NFL. There are a lot of people currently working in the league who have a much better resume. I still can’t figure out how working at ESPN for the past 3 years makes him a hot name for a GM job. That’s traditionally where you go when you have no other options in the league.

  14. This is my favorite line of the day Grant’s analysis: Why is Jed York interviewing potential head coaches and general managers at the same time?

    “York has no clue what he’s doing.”

    1. Why doesn’t Jed bring in someone to take charge of all football operations? Easy, he wants to one up Eddie for his Dad and he want’s the glory that would go along with that role. Eddie got lucky with Walsh, and so far John and Jed haven’t gotten lucky.

      Eddie was also lucky that he had people who could talk him out of some of his worst impulses. Who tells Jed no?

      1. He thinks Marathe is his football genius because he views him as a business genius (?) and because Paraag befuddles him with analytics he can’t understand.
        ‘Wow that’s complicated, must be impressive!’

        1. I remember thinking, at some point in the early days, that Eddie had a hunger for glory, but he also accepted people who could talk him down. Jed has that same hunger but he can’t deal with someone else, like a Walsh, getting credit.

          Eddie’s hunger was so great the NFL had to fight him with a cap.

  15. No on Riddick please because you can’t have a guy pining for the job on national tv. Further little true executive exp

    1. The fact that he said the 49ers have one of the best openings shows how desperate he is.

          1. I think it is one of the best openings and here is why. First the York factor.
            York cannot get in the way here whatsoever. Almost like if he cannot get it right, its almost certain his parents will relinquish his power. The whole entire football and business world is watching. He has to toe the line.

            The GM position. Whoever this guy is will have a long leash to get it right. 40 million in cap space, tons of high draft picks and whoever the coach is, they will start this thing together and on the same page as one of them will hire the other and have complete control.

            The coaching position. Yes the roster is bare but like any NFL team, there are some pieces. The coach/GM combo will be able to build it from the ground up and chose the integral pieces to getting it right. Lets be honest, anything over 5 wins next year will be considered a success if the team shows heart and competitiveness and resolve.

            The schedule. Compared to this year, next year will be a cake walk.

            Location. Who wants to live in Buffalo? San Diego is in flux with their stadium and ownership. The Rams look promising and might be the best landing spot, but history shows its still the Rams. JKV, not too bad but Bortles at another 2 years? Yikes. A lot to overcome there.
            Denver will or should hire within as losing Phillips could be catastrophic if not promoted. Why would he stay and look like he was passed over.
            So why not SF? Sunny, expensive, and a clean slate to start.

            1. Next years schedule will most certainly be harder. While last year looked daunting, last I checked we had the 24th toughest schedule in terms of opponents w/l record.

        1. ?? upside Yo head I said ?? upside yo head. Lol how long have you been holding that one Wilson? Lol

            1. Ok. On YouTube there are videos with cut throat questions, answers and actions of people recorded.
              When the action or question or answer is done, they que a gangsta rap song and throw some locs (sunglasses) with a joint in the persons mouth. I saw one made up of the question asked from you I thought about how Jed should basically fire himself. It’s called thug life, and they’re pretty funny. I saw this particular one on Facebook but I can’t find it on YouTube. Hopefully whoever made it will
              Post to YouTube.

  16. Riddick has spent 11 years working for two NFL teams as a scout and then he decided to sit in a television studio for 3 years.

    He’s clearly one of the least qualified candidates which should make him a front runner.

      1. If you are referring to their time as OC, then McVay has more experience.

        1. Nope, Lynn was assistant HC for both the Jets and Bills.

          He is a former Niner and SB winner.

          1. But this year was the first time he was an OC, so technically he is more green than McVay.

              1. Mike Singletary was an assistant HC on the 49ers for three years.

              2. Once MS was fired by the Niners, he has never sniffed another HC position. He has never been a coordinator since, either.

                Lynn is interviewing with several teams for the HC position.

                I know you are playing devil’s advocate, but Lynn and MS are like night and day.

              3. There is a vast difference between just an assistant coach and an assistant head coach.

              4. Yep. I like Lynn and think he would be a great coach for the 49ers if they are not able to get Austin, but basing their worth on a title is ridiculous. It is important to look at their background in terms of experience as well. Lynn has been primarily a RB coach while McVay has coached other positions before he became an OC.

              5. I actually believe that the Bills will not be brain dead, and remove the interim designation, so he will stay with the Bills.

                Lynn would have been a good fit with the Niners, but Lynn is in the better situation at Buffalo.

  17. Good read Grant. I would like to hire a GM first but we have to talk to little Shanny and McDaniels this week because they could agree to sign elsewhere without even talking to us.

    Little Shanny will have a hard time turning down Denver. Jed needs to kiss his feet and give big Shanny a job.

    McDaniels is a verrrrry long shot. This will be his last shot at HC. SF could end his career.

    It’s full Shanny or Wolf/Holmgren.

        1. He did but Levy was a HC in the CFL for years and didn’t have much success in the NFL until Bill Polian put that team together that dominated the early 90’s. In other words he had a long run as a HC before finally winning consistently in the NFL. Coaches don’t get that kind of time anymore if they don’t win.

          1. His first year with the Bills he only coached 7 games and was 2-5. Next season he was 7-8 and the one after that 12-4. Only took him 1.5 seasons to turn the team into a playoff team. Polian started the same year as Levy which means he only had two drafts in before Levy has the team to 12 wins.

              1. Without cheating name one player from the ’78-’82 Chiefs. Don’t feel bad that you can’t, there’s a good reason.

              2. In 1980, Coach Marv Levy cut future Hall of Fame Kicker Jan Stenerud for little known Nick Lowery, who would become the most accurate kicker in NFL History over the next 14 years. In 1981, running back Joe Delaney rushed for 1,121 yards and was named the AFC Rookie of the Year.[23] The Chiefs finished the season with a 9–7 record and entered the 1982 season with optimism.[23] However, the NFL Players Association strike curbed the Chiefs’ chances of returning to the postseason for the first time in over a decade.[23] The Chiefs tallied a 3–6 record[11] and in the off-season, Joe Delaney died while trying to save several children from drowning in a pond near his home in Louisiana.[24]

                The Chiefs made a mistake in drafting quarterback Todd Blackledge over future greats such as Jim Kelly and Dan Marino in the 1983 NFL Draft.[25][26] Blackledge never started a full season for Kansas City
                —————
                Marv never had a chance. Just when he was getting nobodies to play well the league goes on strike and then the GM whiffs on a HoF QB.

              3. No I couldn’t have named more than a couple for sure. Delaney’s death is still one of those stories that haunts every time it’s mentioned.

            1. I’m certainly not trying to diminish Marv Levy here either. Just pointing out that there aren’t many examples of ST coordinators becoming successful HC’s. Maybe Toub would be another Harbaugh story who knows, but I personally wouldn’t go that route.

    1. I’m sure he’s an excellent Coach and his ST’s units have been among the best in the league. I just have a hard time getting on board with a candidate who doesn’t specialize in offense or defense. I think this team has to have a solid foundation through the HC on one side or the other. With a Defense or Offense oriented HC, you know one side of the ball at the very least will not be affected no matter who you lose as a coordinator.

      1. Good HCs plan on losing their coordinators and typically replace them with in house candidates to minimise the disruption. Its all about the quality of staff you bring in.

        1. No argument with that. Just pointing out it’s easier to keep the status quo if your HC specializes on one side.

  18. “Why would Kyle Shanahan choose the 49ers over those teams?”

    The ability to pick his own QB

  19. What do you guys think of Jimmy Raye III? The Colts as a team have some issues. He’s not the GM but how to do tell again if its the organization or the person?

  20. Dateline January 10, 2017 – Jimmy Raye has hire Mike Singletary as the new head coach of the San Francisco 49ers. His first order of business will be installing the explosive “Dad Gum Yahoo” offense.

    Says Mike Singletary “I learned alot from my first stint with the 49ers. Next time I drop my pants, I’ll get a wax job down there first. After all, this is a “class” organization.

    1. Q – Is this the same Jimmy Raye that was our offensive coordinator under Singletary? His picture seems a little perkier than I remember how Dad Gum looked.

  21. 1. What evidence is there that Jed will make the right decision this time?
    2. The jobs can be attractive if:
    a. The GM and HC are on the same page;
    b. Jed promises to spend 95% of the salary cap over the next two years so top tier Free agents can be signed and good players can be retained;
    c. Jed and the other finance people will stay out of running the football operations and
    d. the GM and HC can hire the staff they want, without interference.
    3. Top candidates will demand the above authority and 5 year top paying contracts.

    Odds of the above happening: low.

  22. During Mike Tomlin’s one season as a DC, his defense ranked 8th.

    During Vance Joseph’s one season as a DC, his defense ranked 29th.

    1. In total yards. That is a bit misleading as the number of times they are on the field impacts on total yards. They were 17th in yards per drive.

            1. Don’t know. I’m not the one cheerleading for Joseph to be HC. But I do think great success as a coordinator is not a prerequisite for being a good HC. It just gets you noticed.

        1. The stats from the Lions defense are not much better, yet Austin is also considered a hot commodity.

          1. Austin’s first year was excellent but since then the D has been just ok.

            But, he’s well regarded in NFL circles. Same as Joseph. Seems to be a coach that gets his guys playing hard.

            1. That was my indirect point, that there is a reason for them being considered as rising stars.

    2. The job Tomlin did with the Vikings was pretty incredible though. Little support from the offense. But they did an excellent job taking away the run, and taking away the football. No wonder he was a hot candidate for HC that year.

  23. This is going to suck big time. Quality people will not come to incompetency regardless of the money offered. Getting a bad resume is death in the NFL and coming to the Niners will be death for a few years. 0-16 is almost assured for next year. The only saving grace is finding a DC to mold the somewhat talent on the defense might win a couple of games. There is very little talent on the offensive side of the ball. Huddling will not fix this team, nor knowing the lay of the stadium, nor knowing all the adjectives that define gap integrity will fix this team. Ah, don’t forget how much money California steals from its citizens is another drawback.

  24. Why do any of us think Jed will make the right decision this time? The hiring of Tomsula over Gase was simply the highlight of a series of bad decisions.
    Except for hiring JH what good FOOTBALL decisions have the York’s made since they took over the team?

    1. Matt Maiocco insists the Tomsula over Gase decision was Baalke all the way, not York.
      Apparently York was opposed but talked into it. Makes sense considering Baalke’s need to control and micromanage. Easier to control Tomsula than probably anybody.

  25. Grant, if you were making the hire based on your keen and knowledgeable insight, who would the choice be? And what was the dinner discussion like with Dad in regards to a question about firing yourself as owner? That was Jed’s only good answer of the day

  26. Can’t help but notice that the Warriors are about to start construction on their new stadium in down town San Francisco. Which apparently is also going to be right next to another professional ball park.

    Guess it isn’t so hard to build stadiums in San Francisco.

    1. To be fair, it’s a whole nother thing to build an NFL stadium.

      But this team died when they left SF.

  27. George Patton is an interesting option. I like his experience although I’m not the biggest fan of Rick Spielman. Darn difficult to find any information on the guy, searching his name is problematic.

  28. Seriously, people. You are arguing with Grant over Louis Riddick as a GM candidate and acting like his opinion means anything. It doesn’t. As if he understands what it takes to be a GM just because he covers the 49ers. He has no clue what it would take (or no more than the people he berates repeatedly). Riddick is spoken highly of by many actual people who are in the game, although I would agree that hiring him would be a clear showing that the 49ers can’t attract a more qualified candidate, because, while he has promise, he’s a 2nd tier candidate.

    BTW – A couple examples of GM’s who have been ‘out’ for a couple years or had little association with day-to-day operations and been ok in the field:
    – Scott McCloughan (out from 2013 to 2015, but now the GM of Washington)
    – John Elway (no prior experience in NFL management up until 2010, became GM in 2011)
    – Bobby Beathard had an extended absence from the NFL between his Washington days and his return in San Diego.

    Riddick being “out” of the NFL, per se, is a potential strike against him, but to say he’s totally unqualified because he has not been in a front office is ludicrous.

    1. McCloughan was/is an alcoholic and that’s why he spent two years out of work. Would possibly still be the 49ers GM if he wasn’t a lush.

      Elway although lacking in NFL experience was a very successful business owner before taking over the executive job with Denver.

      Beathard was only in a studio job for one season before returning.

    2. Don’t you know Grant is the smartest football mind in the known universe? Just ask him!

    3. – Scott McCloughan (out from 2013 to 2015, but now the GM of Washington)

      Scott McCloughan left the 49ers in March 2010 for personal reasons. A short time after that he was hired by Seattle to work in their personnel department, and continued working for them until he took the Washington job.

      1. No, he took a leave of absence in 2013, and was officially out as of April 2014. He continued to scout independently for about 18 months before being hired by Washington.

  29. With Ballard off the table, of the names mentioned so far Wolf is by far the most attractive choice.

    1. “by far”, now that’s pretty strong. But I believe caserii would have something to say about that! I also like Scott Pioli.

  30. Also worth noting is that Riddick (and Raye III) could have been added to the list to satisfy the Rooney Rule, which has been expanded to cover GM interviews. The point being, jumping to conclusions about how ‘awful’ these options are hints more at Grant’s bias than any type of objective analysis of their pros and cons as candidates.

  31. Alex Marvez ‏@alexmarvez 20m20 minutes ago
    #Dolphins DC Vance Joseph hasn’t interviewed 4 @Broncos HC job yet but I’m told his to lose. CU Buffs connection w/Broncos exec Matt Russell

    1. One does have to wonder if that means Phillips could be forced out in Denver.

  32. Your analysis on Paton sounds more like a baseless gripe Grant. First, the Vikings probably would be in the playoffs if they were not lambasted with injuires before and during the season. Second, you really have no idea who Paton might want as HC; he could be a Saban fan for all you know.

    1. Everyone is a Saban fan. But is Saban a Paton fan? That’s the question. And the answer probably is no.

      1. But again, you can only guess. No one really has an idea of whom Paton or most of the GM candidates would want as the HC.

        1. Paton worked under Saban in Miami. Now Saban is going to work under Paton? No chance.

          1. My point is that he could want Shanahan, Lynn, or a college coach. Neither you or I have an idea on what the man wants in a head coach.

    2. I think the bigger question is why would Paton agree to interview with the 49ers? He’s turned down a lot of opportunities in the past few years.

      I don’t mind the idea of Paton. They’ve drafted well the past few years and steadily been improving until injury to Bridgewater this year.

      As for who he might bring in as HC, Mid mentioned Saban. They worked together at the Dolphins in 2005 and 2006, so maybe not such a crazy idea. Having worked at the Bears, Dolphins and Vikings, I am sure he has plenty of contacts.

      1. This just in: Grant has reversed course and is now indicating he is all in on Paton.

  33. Adam Schefter Retweeted
    Josina Anderson ‏@JosinaAnderson 1h1 hour ago

    Source texts me that #Bills interim head coach Anthony Lynn is scheduled to “meet with San Francisco tomorrow.”

  34. Ian Rapoport ‏@RapSheet 2h2 hours ago

    Ian Rapoport Retweeted Tom Pelissero

    Interesting. He often turns these down

    Ian Rapoport added,
    Tom Pelissero @TomPelissero
    After visit to Green Bay on Thursday, the #49ers will interview #Vikings assistant GM George Paton on Friday, source said.
    17 replies 58 retweets 83 likes

    1. Wow, thanks Cubus. That Glazer article yesterday was Lock Solid Truth and now it’s ………rumors I heard…..but from more than one person……
      Journalism is dead

  35. Interviewing head coaches and GMs at the same time is not a problem. Hiring a head coach first better get you a Bill Walsh who can build an amazing staff and scouting department from the GM on down.

  36. My money is on Riddick considering he openly kissed York’s azz and said he would accept the job if offered… However, I hope York can land Kirchner or Wolf. Won’t hold my breath though – Jed likes people who make him feel comfortable and tell him what he and Paraag want to hear above all else.

    1. All GM candidates kind of have to kiss azz to owners of NFL teams since there are only 32 jobs in the world available. Riddick just stated that for a GM it’s a perfect situation cause it can be built from the ground up. I agree with that.

      1. Riddick is the last person in the world to hire as the GM. Jed does not need another boot licker.. Jed needs some one that is strong enough to tell him to get out of the way.

        Oh, peachy, one can build from the ground up? No, one should want building blocks already in place, so the team will not be constantly rebuilding. Full rebuild just means more losing, and Jed will fire the next coach before the last game, again.

        Riddick is in full brown nose mode, and is trying to kiss his way into a sweet gig. Niners need shrewd, intelligent people, who will tell the truth, not more toadies and shills.

  37. http://www.ninersnation.com/2017/1/3/14161578/49ers-general-manager-head-coach-interview-schedule-2017

    Here is what the schedule looks like starting with Lynn on Wednesday.

    Wednesday: Bills interim HC Anthony Lynn (Link)
    Thursday: Packers execs Eliot Wolf, Brian Gutekunst (Link)
    Friday: Falcons OC Kyle Shanahan (Link), Vikings assistant GM George Paton (Link)
    Saturday: Patriots OC Josh McDaniels, exec Nick Caserio (Link)
    This weekend: Colts VP of football ops Jimmy Raye III (Link)
    Monday: Washington OC Sean McVay (Link)
    Next week: ESPN analyst Louis Riddick (Link), Dolphins DC Vance Joseph (Link)

    1. Looks like a promising list. Id like to see someone interviewed from Seattle. My only concern is that all these top names that are being interviewed, will any of them be actually hired? Reminds of the year we hired Tomsula with a lot of good candidates but ended up with the tobacco chewer.

    1. It’s just the Rooney rule… Same with Lynn. Hence why Lynn is first. Raye is Friday before Casserio… Nothing to see here.

        1. If the Roonies were doing their interviews then I’d trust a long shot. Not with the Jedster.

      1. Disagree. If that were truly the case, then the 49ers could have just requested an interview from one candidate that allowed them to not risk violating the Rooney Rule, but they have at least two African Americans lined up for the GM and HC interviews. I believe there is a legitimate interest in them as well.
        Personally, I would like to see Wolf at GM and Lynn or Joseph as the new HC. Austin is the one I really would like to see join the 49ers, but I have yet to see anything linking him to the 49ers.

        1. Heard John Middlekauff on KNBR & he’s in love with Riddick

          He worked with him in Philadelphia

          Maybe he wants another scouting gig

        2. Yea,but putting wolf with those guys are like forcing 2 different personalities again. None of those guys are linked to wolf. So pairing him with any of them wouldn’t make sense.

    2. Jimmy Raye (GM candidate) is Jimmy Raye’s son (former Niners OC). If hired maybe he’ll hire his dad back as HC. What a reunion that would be….

  38. “49ers will interview Colts VP of football operations Jimmy Raye III for their GM opening. He’s the son of former 49ers OC.”

    Made my day. Whoever said Jed is a spineless little brat devoid of humor?

    1. Great … maybe little Raye will hire big Raye to be the HC.

      Apparently (and I’m just kinda making an educated guess here based on the “interviewing everyone” approach) the 49ers did not have anyone targeted and even “set up” for these jobs (as they did with Harbaugh) which pretty much means they are going to have to “settle.” Typical that once again they will probably have some very uninspiring choices, you know, eventually decide to promote Gamble, take some DC who’s had a good year or two ….

      Here’s the thing folks: ALL of the people in the NFL know football. That’s why they’re making their living in professional football. You wanna win? Then you need the BEST of these people, just like with the players. They’re ALL good football players, but the ones who are the BEST make up the best teams who compete for the championship. Colin Kaep has tons of skills …. but not as many as Rodgers or Brady, etc … capisce?

    2. Yup, the Colts are just dripping in talent that JR brought on board. With Luck as QB, I see the Super Bowl next year for them…..NOT.

  39. Looks like Jed turned loose the leakmeister. Some day, I hope Jed grows up and realizes that living in the gutter is just bringing the whole Niner organization into the gutter.

    Win with class? No, lose with crass. This culture is turning into a slime mold, with Jed and his leaker leading the way.

    1. The good news Sebnnoying is that you can choose whatever team that gets CK. That way you will never have to worry about York ever again!

      1. Back at it? Prime, I wonder what will happen when Kaep comes back. Better start rooting for your new team, the Raiders, or is it the CFL Eskimos?

        1. Keep wondering about Kap. He won’t be a Niner.
          What will you do when Connor Cook wins a playoff game? Will you annoint him as great?

          1. Naw, I will let 49 do that.

            Niners should have a litmus test. Ask each candidate what they would do with Kaep. Bet most fail, but the smart ones will tell Jed that one does not get rid of their best chance to succeed, and establish a winning culture.

            1. And what will you do when the new hire doesn’t want Kap? Blame Baalke? Hahahah!!!!!!

              1. Now that Baalke is gone, Kaep may decide to stay.

                Jed should ask first what the prospective candidate’s assessment is of Kaep, and what he would do.

                If he says that he is smart enough to properly utilize Kaep, the interview should continue. If he says that he wants to ditch Kaep, Jed should ask who he has in mind instead of Kaep. If he says that he will just draft a new QB, Jed should politely thank him for his time, and terminate the interview. If he brings up a marginal FA, Jed should look at his watch and tell him that he has another interview. If the candidate outlines ways to accentuate Kaep’s strengths and disguise his weaknesses, Jed should ask him to elaborate.

                After that, Jed should ask how the candidate will fix the defense. If the candidate has no clue about gap integrity, Jed should move on.

              2. Thank the Lord almighty Jed does not consult you on any of your madness!
                Did you make an appointment to see your doctor?

  40. Seems like the approach is very similar to the one they took after the ’04 season.

    1. True. That went pretty quickly too, from memory.

      Given there is only one GM job available this offseason it does make some sense to focus on HC at the same time so as to not get behind in that search and miss out. Will be interesting to see if the HC is hired first and if so how much input they have in the GM hire. That could actually be attractive to prospective HCs – the capacity to help choose the GM they work with.

      1. I was hopping Jed would have a person already set up t be GM by the time he had his press conference. But the next best thing is to be thorough in the search.

        One issue could be timing with several candidates only able to interview during the bye. Also don’t want to get beat to the punch by the other teams.

  41. TO a hall of fame finalist and not Roger Craig–what crap! One guy helped win 3 Super Bowls and one guy helped break up 3 teams. Sad that the HOF is all about top line stats that get inflated every year due to rule changes.
    Craig was 1/3 of one of the most important Offenses in an Era. Sorry HOF but in reality even John Taylor was more important than the Selfish TO. Not that JT is a hall of famer, but stats alone in a team sport like football should not be so heavily weighted. Wrong!

    1. TO was a true cancer. Roger Craig is a champion, and a class act.

      TO gathered stats, Roger Craig helped his team win rings.

      1. T.O. must ultimately be judged by his stats. Owens may have been a loudmouthed dysfunctional locker room prick, but he performed on the field and unlike some HOF inductees he never had off field issues.
        Also, I dare anyone to show me which WR the 49ers have had since T.O. that has had the same impact he had.
        I’m far from a T.O. fan, but if a player like Lawrence Taylor can be voted into the HOF after confessing that he played in some games under the influence – based on stats alone, T.O. should go in as well.

  42. Yep & the Niners do a bad job of supporting & pushing their guys in to the HOF. If Craig , Michael Carter & Jessie Sopolo were Steelers they’d be in the HOF

    They need to push as hard for Craig & others every year as they did Debartolo

    1. I once met Roger .. (at an autograph signing) ..
      and while I shook his hand …
      I told him what an honor it was (for me) .. to
      meet a future HOFer …

      The light that suddenly came from his eyes..
      could have been indispensable during a black-out ..

      I’ve been hoping’ (all these years later) .. that
      he doesn’t think I lied to him

    2. I would also like Keena Turner to get recognition. He was one of the first hybrid linebackers who could stuff the run and defend the pass.

      He also has 4 rings, so he helped them achieve greatness.

    1. Sounds like the sort of personality that could win over Jed. Especially with his connections to the 49ers. Wouldn’t rule him out despite his young age.

      1. Agreed. It also appears his offense might also be suitable to the current setup of the 49ers offense.

  43. “Why is Jed York interviewing potential head coaches and general managers at the same time? ”
    Actually, I think it is the smartest thing he’s done so far! It’s called due diligence. Say when he’s leaning towards a certain GM and the GM says; I want this HC, Yorkie can say: I did (not) like him because……… same the other way around.
    Grant the guy is taking an education on the fast track, I think he’s learning from his mistakes.
    I hope.

  44. Grant,
    Wouldn’t you give them a pass for interviewing coaches on Playoff teams? Most NFL analysts seem to think this is par for the course. The interview of Lynn and McVay however are questionable, unless your thinking of creating a GM/HC. Do you think they might actually be looking into going in this direction?

  45. There is a clamor for Jed to hire a team president in charge of football ops, who in turn, would select the GM and HC.

    I’m in the group who would prefer this, but it occurs to me that this “Football Savior” wouldn’t materialize out of thin air. No, Jed York, if he was willing, which, at this point in time, he isn’t, would have to hire the guy.

    Let’s face it, it’s inescapable, we have to hope Jed York will make one good decision. In this particular scenario, he has to guess correctly on a GM, or HC.

    Let’s hope he doesn’t Bababooie this one (or Tomsula, if you prefer). I’d go so far as to say, I hope Jed Hits ’em with the Hein.

      1. Solomon Thomas or Reuben Foster are 2 of my other choices, and like Barnett, could be selected later than Garrett.

  46. Is Jed searching for applicants who have integrity and will be accountable? Will Jed be able to identify those characteristics? Will the parents help Jed with this process? Maybe not a good idea the fruit does not fall from the tree in this organization.

  47. If you’re going to emulate a culture, the Packers are a pretty good choice given their ability to build via the draft, something we will need to do and will have the picks to do, over the next few years. I know nothing about the individuals being considered, but that pedigree alone should carry weight imo.

  48. The definition of a “marginal” FA candidate in fact is Kaep. Look up marginal in the dictionary, there is Kaep’s pic. No candidate in their right mind would postion themselves as leading a Kaep reclamation project. THAT would end the interview.

    1. Yet, he might be the player on the team.

      Marginal FA candidates would not have a clue and would just let him leave.

    2. As Razor pointed out before, while having 14 opportunities to run on third down, Kaep converted 12. Those are not marginal numbers.

      1. They are marginal when viewed along side all of his deficits. Getting an occasional first down running doesn’t make up for all his bad decisions that result in punts and losses. The fact is, the league has now fully figured Kaepernick out. I wish he had done better as he comes from my community. Time to move on.

  49. Thoughts on Eliot Wolf, Grant? You kind of lumped him in with Chris Ballard (although Wolf will be interviewing for GM).

    Also, are you still pushing giving the keys to the kingdom to Nick Saban or has your preferred strategy changed? If so, what is it now?

  50. I’d rather an offensive minded coach, but if they do go D minded coach I’d rather they interview Sean McDermott out of Carolina than Vance Joseph in Miami. McDermott has a more stable tenure and high level success with his D.

  51. We still have our history so most guys want to work here because of the Walsh-Montana-Rice-Young dynasty,who doesnt want to step in there footsteps and repeat the same succes.

    Best case for me would be GM: Caserio, HC: McDaniels and DC: Patricia.
    or GM: Wolf, HC: Shanahan , DC: Trgovac

  52. Yes, Kaep the marginal FA could be the *best player on the team. Which shows how bad this roster is. Being the best of a crap group, this is what can happen to perspective on this blog. The bar starts to drop so far that assessments of talent are made against a norm that is intra-team, not inter league. Then we play other teams and see that the best 9er talent is avg (dare I say Marginal) for competitive teams. And this is why everyone to tne Parking Lot, except for the 2 that most need to be in the Parking Lot….”I’m tne Owner”…no, you are a Son of an Owner….

      1. Well he sure didn’t help Harbaugh, Tomsula or Kelly win many games the past 3 years. Sure blame the talent level but when the most important position in football regresses, its pretty hard for any coach to win many games!

        1. Go ahead and blame CK for everything Prime. Its stupid right? He’s responsible for the bottom ranked defense 2 years in a row, hiring inept coaches under Tomsula, the culture surround the release of a winning coach. Again who are you going to blame when we’re awful again next year and he’s gone? How much did your hero Gabbert help those coaches? Yes CK contributed when he’s gone we’ll still suck unless Jed can get this GM/Coach hire correct.

          1. Not sure why you keep addressing Gabbert as my hero? He beat out Kap, that’s a fact. In fact, Id take Ponder over Kap, scratch that, Id take anyone over Kap because he sucks!

            I also anknowledged the lack of talent but when the most important position on the team is limited in what he can, what is a coach suppose to do? The past 3 years the 49ers coaches have had to construct a vanilla offense for Kap because he wants to run and he cannot get past his first read.

            All of that is over now because for a new coach/GM coming in wanting to give the Kaepernick experiment another go, will soon realize its like hanging yourself. Kelly and Tomsula made that mistake. I don’t think any of these candidates will want to tie their wagon to a one read running QB!

            1. This “Not sure why you keep addressing Gabbert as my hero? He beat out Kap, that’s a fact. In fact, Id take Ponder over Kap, scratch that, Id take anyone over Kap because he sucks!” Is exactly why I keep addressing your love of Gabbert. Because neither Ponder or Gabbert are better.

              Gabbert beat an injured player, big deal. You’re so fixated hating CK you can’t see these other two suck worse.

        2. The Raiders won how many games this season? That must mean they have a pretty talented team. Yet take away their QB and how does all that talent look? Yeah, I’d say the QB is a pretty important position.

            1. So what about those 20 games the last 2 seasons that Gabbert didn’t play in? Who had control of those?

          1. Ribico, QB is the quintessential position on the field. I totally believe its that important. But to ignore the rest of the flaws or blame the firings of three coaches on the QB is non-sense.

            Look at the good to great QB’s who have defenses that give up as many points as our defense does and see how many have a winning record. Complementary football is a very real thing. Our offensive unit was better than our defensive unit. The offense kept he defense on the field too much. The defense got scored on all the time having us play from behind a lot. Adding a QB alone won’t fix this team.

            Brees, Rivers and Newton are good QB’s that can’t overcome their awful defenses. Cousin’s is 8-7-1. He’s good and couldn’t overcome his deficient D. Luck is a good QB and he’s 8-8.

            Rodgers and Ryan are the only QB’s who are overcoming their poor defenses with winning records.

            QB is a priority, but when your talent, coaching and FO are weak there’s a lot more to fix than just the QB.

    1. Baalke killed 3 coaches, and Jed finally had the guts to make him accountable.

      Kaep did not kill any coaches while Gabbert went 4-9.

        1. Baalke is the culprit. He has his fingerprints all over the crime scene. Jed tried to stay out of the way, but I guess there is some guilt by association.

          Ultimately, Jed is responsible for Baalke, but he was not the one cutting players on the team bus, micromanaging the roster to decide who plays and meddling with the coaching. The leak that Tomsula was going to be fired before he coached his last game was done by Paraag, at Baalke’s behest. The last leak on Friday amazingly coincided with Baalke being told he would be let go. It was just his parting shot.

    2. bandit,
      There is a modicum of truth in Kap hurting the team but to be fair the lack of overall talent is what got the butcher and the chipster fired.

      Players that started in the SB no longer on the team:
      I’m sure I’ll miss some names but here are the players I remember.
      1. Michael Crabtree
      2. Delanie Walker
      3. Vernon Davis
      4. Frank Gore
      5. Mike Iupati
      6. Goodwin
      7. Ted Ginn Jr.
      8. LaMichael James
      9. Patrick Willis
      10. N.Bowman
      11. Aldon Smith
      12. Justin Smith
      13. Terrell Brown
      14. Culliver
      15. D. Whitner
      16. Goldston
      17. McDonald

      These were starters on the SB team no longer here. An argument could be made that these players were on the decline, but except for Hyde no player currently starting has been able to come anywhere close to producing like their predecessor.
      Kap has not helped his cause, but he definitely has not been the sole culprit for the teams or coaches demise.

  53. Tom cable on coaching list? Jed might get punched.
    I love all these people on this board who think nobody will come here….why does anyone even interview with the team, especially when they have multiple interviews. Because they love interviews?? Money and opportunity talk….there are 6 open head coaching jobs, Denver is obviously the most attractive option but the rest are up for debate. You think guys are dying to go to Jacksonville and Buffalo?

  54. If I could get 4 years and $24M, and only need to show up for 1, this makes North Korea look attractive

  55. Although none of us agree on who should be hired (for both positions), can we agree that we will all hate whoever *is* hired?

    1. That’s not true Rib. Some will like the hire even though they’ve barely even heard of the guy in the past, or they’ll love it because it’s a “name” like Pioli or Riddick.

      And either way, none of us will know because outside of Pioli none have ever run a draft before so there is no way to know what their plan is.

      1. Jack, the premise is that since Jed will be doing the hiring, and since it’s universally agreed that Jed is a clueless dolt, the decision made by a clueless dolt will obviously be the wrong one.

        1. What makes it worse is the fact that the leaker will be sitting next to Jed. 2 non football people making football decisions.

          1. Which is living proof that Jed is not up to being the boss. He doesn’t understand that no amount of words can get the stink out of the room. I do disagree however that it is because of leaking. I say it’s because Paraag is s Wall Street biz school type whose only purpose of being in the room is to outsmart those who are doers instead of thinkers. That’s where the stink comes from. Doers make deals and then let both of their respective financial types iron out the details with each other. Invariably they are deal killers and not deal makers.

        2. That’s true for the media and a few Rib, but there’s always those few who like it no matter what. Just like there’s always a few who think the team will win 10 games every year…..

          1. Jack, then let’s make it easier and just hate the hires. There’s too much discord on this board as it is.

            Obviously tongue in cheek, but not by much.

          2. Rib,

            None of us truly knows who will be a good hire and who won’t be. We don’t sit in on interviews and know nothing about the ideas prospective GM’s have and how they plan to implement them. What we do know and can comment on is the backgrounds and experience each candidate has. Speaking for myself, I like what I’ve read about most of the candidates rumored to be on the list to be interviewed, but reading that Riddick is on the list concerns me. That is the kind of hire that would disappoint me and that I’d probably be on here complaining about, because it would be continuing a pattern of the 49ers hiring people on no one else’s radar. They made Tomsula the HC when no one else would have even considered him for a coordinator position. They hired Kelly when no one else was even giving him an interview. They hired Baalke because he was in house and was convenient.

            If Jed is truly serious about changing the culture, as he mentioned about 50 times during the PC, then he needs to hire someone that has spent time in a winning organization and can bring that culture with them to SF.

    2. After all the good candidates respectfully flee from Jed, and he is further humiliated, Jed will get a brainstorm and promote Gamble who will bring back Chip.

      I swear I saw Jed declare that Chip would be given more than one year regardless of the record, but Jed seems to never honor his pledges.

      The other one I would like to see honored is holding Jed accountable, just like he said we should do.

      1. Seb, your scenarios in getting Kaep to remain on the team are becoming increasingly divorced from reality.

        1. Of course, Jed will do some brain dead thing like throwing away the last Niner QB that led them to a SB.

          I am just excoriating Jed beforehand.

          1. Getting rid of Kaep would indicate there still are still some synapses firing in old Jed’s brain. But it’s not Jed’s call, is it? Who would take a job with a clueless dolt meddling in your decisions?

            1. Compared to the alternatives, Kaep is the only logical choice to lead the team.

              Who, pray tell, do you want the Niners to select as their QB? If you mention some unproven rookie, I will question your football knowledge. Goff and Wentz went one and two, and have not lit up the league.

              1. There’s a whole big difference between winning one single lousy game and “lighting up the league”. Even so, Goff and Wentz were rookies – I’d take either of them over Kaep in a second. Do you remember Kaep’s rookie season, his play in that pre-season? Horrendously bad, even against 3rd stringers. I haven’t the slightest idea why Harbaugh thought he had something with him.

              2. You are getting like Prime. Deficient memory lapses.

                Let me remind you that Kaep took over for Alex, and led the Niners to the SB after only 10 games. He won 2 road playoff games while setting a record for QB rushing, and overcame a 17 point deficit in the NFCC Game.

                Goff’s first pass was a pick. Wentz started off well by beating the Browns, and had some good games, but faded badly towards the end.

                Preseason play is not a solid indication of regular season play. Yes, he was playing against third stringers, but he was also playing with third stringers.

                JH made a gutsy call, because he hungered for a SB win. Kaep threw for over 300 yards and ran for over 50 yards, so Kaep did his part. Too bad they could not overcome the defense’s and ST’s play, along with the horrendous officiating.

              3. So Rib, who would you want to see be the Niner QB?

                If you cannot come up with a name, Kaep wins by default.

              4. No, Kaep doesn’t win by default, a team doesn’t make plans around a free-agent and they are *not* going to sign him to any kind of extension. Kaep is on his way out.

                The Niners are obviously in de-build mode. As they rebuild, wins are going to be hard to come by the next 1-3 years and I’m not expecting to get us any from steller QB play. If a future franchise player is not likely in this draft (even if one is) the best bet is stopgap journeyman, ala a Fitzpatrick or a Schaub. Hell, if the criteria is previous success, as you keep pounding these boards with, there’s always Sanchez.

              5. Rib,

                Regarding Harbaugh and Kaepernick, there’s a reason Harbaugh wasn’t in favor of letting Smith go after that ’12 season.

              6. >>LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL

                I’d bet you a signed Joe Montana football any of those could produce more than 3 wins in 20 starts. Even on this team.

                Remember, we are talking placeholders while this team claws itself back to mediocrity.

            2. >> there’s a reason Harbaugh wasn’t in favor of letting Smith go after that ’12 season.

              But I can see why they did. If Kaep was going to be “the guy” it never works out having the “other guy” in the shadows. It always happens. Tittle was traded because Brodie was ready. Montana was traded because Young was.

        2. Have to agree. He sometimes makes reasonable comments about other issues but when it comes to Kaepernick, one begins to suspect delusion. And recreational drugs.

      2. Seb,
        I completely agree. Jed will be forced to promote tom gamble and hire back chip Kelly. Chip being smart will demand a new contract, stating he was fired in the old on the old and would be making that without coaching. Jed will agree and just like that Chip Kelly will be the highest paid coach in the NFL as he collects 2 salaries for the price of one. :/

  56. Jed looks like he’s slowly becoming George Costanza with that hairline. His hair recession parallels his run as CEO of this team.

    1. Did his hair grow in more during the Harbaugh years? LOL.

      Good to see you around Big. Was wondering how long it would take before you’d weigh in on this.

        1. BigP wrote, “I had to take a break from the futility.”

          BP, does the ‘futility’ you referenced pertain to commenting on the current iteration of the 49ers (team and management alike) or to participating in this forum given its far too frequent regression into playground style rhetoric and posturing?

          In either case, +1

      1. The Harbaugh years, although extremely successful, didn’t help Jed’s hairline. I’m pretty sure it was quite the opposite, lol. “This room is for men only”. Poor Jed’s scalp probably looked like Charlie Brown’s Christmas tree after that epic diss. Happy new year Jack, it’s good to hear from you.

        1. LOL. It all just started falling out right there, a pile of hair trailing as he turned and walked away.

    2. Wish Jed would pull a “summer of George” and step away from the GM-coach search…..

      1. That has to apply to Marathe as well. But who does that leave within the organization to conduct the search. I only see Gamble and Guido and perhaps some carefully chosen consultants.

        1. You’d want Marathe to defy his boss’s orders :) See my earlier posting here in this blog Marathe. Incidentally, Brent Jones seems to think highly of Al Guido — as a business person.

  57. I need my memory refreshed on hiring a coach or GM from a team that is currently in the playoffs. I know there are only certain windows available for interviewing while the team is still active in the playoffs. However, can a coach or potential GM accept a position after the interview but before his team has exited the playoffs?

    1. A potential candidate can be promised the job, but given Jed’s track record, it will be written on toilet paper and used to clean up the diarrhea.

  58. Interesting listening to Brent Jones yesterday on KNBR. He had clear opinions on who should be the next GM (Wolf or Kirchner, in that order). It seems that Jed has consulted him on the current GM/coach search and he did not deny it when asked point blank (he acknowledged he had been consulted on the Harbaugh hire).

    1. On a local level, I haven’t seen a lot of disagreement that Marathe is good at managing the salary cap and negotiating contracts. He usually gets high praise.

      The problem occurs when moving into areas that he knows little about and has little experience – specifically football operations and football strategy.

      1. Bringing Paraag, basically a bean counter, to negotiations with football people is for what purpose? IMHO it is an unqualified stupid move. Jed needs to talk football and nothing else. He needs to get over the image he has of being a business first person who is more focused on net income his cash cow generates. If he can’t talk the talk then he needs to get a football person to be in the room, not a bean counter contract man. Make the deal and then say I’ll have my people contact your people to fill in the details. Jed is like someone walking around with a kick me sign on his back and all of his lap dogs are too polite to tell him.

  59. Some info on the guys we interview , i hope Jed hires a coach who wants to pass.

    Anthony Lynn:Lynn is known for advocating the infamous “Ground and Pound” technique.[11] He likes to run the ball on offense, and keep the defense rested so they can “pound” the opposing team.[12] He provides a strong running game and has exceptional run reads.[13] Offensively, his approach spirals off the idea that the running game should open up opportunities for the passing game.
    Probably he can get Todd Haley as OC but he wouldnt be my first choice as HC.

    Kyle Shanahan: From the dynamic “quick game,” which features a host of bubble screens and slants, to the exotic play-action passing game, which comprises an assortment of run-action fakes from stationary and moving pockets, the cleverly designed passing game.

    But the bread and butter of Shanahan’s passing game is the play-action package. The crafty play designer will throw off the reads of second-level defenders by incorporating full-flow play-action movement (the offensive line shows run blocking, with the tight end on the play-side staying in to sell the run) at the point of attack. These plays lure linebackers and safeties to the line of scrimmage, leaving voids over the middle of the field for deep crossers and “sit-down” routes. With the QB adept at selling the run fake and quickly getting his eyes back on the defense to decipher the coverage, the play-action passing game is problematic for aggressive defenses intent on flowing quickly to the ball.
    Runs a ZBS.
    It’s a WCO but not identical to his father.
    He is high on my list and knows his X’s and O’s

    Josh Mcdaniels: He runs a Erhard Perkins offense The E-P system is a simple one. Take what the defense will give you. You can be a power running team one week, a spread out air raid offense the next, a balanced attack that keeps teams guessing the week after that. You can put up points in a hurry, or slow the pace down to a crawl. It doesn’t need specific personnel. Since specific types of players aren’t required, it opens up more possibilities when drafting players or signing free agents. For a team that drafts best player available and not necessarily positional need, like the Ravens, this is a great fit. In fact, in the modern NFL where players are changing teams all the time, and some guys are fits at multiple positions, it’s anyone’s best guess why teams would still chose to run offenses with little wiggle room for personnel changes.
    He’s also high on my list cuz he know how to adjust if you see how he did with Jimmy G and Brisset.

    1. My predictions- Lynn stays in Buffalo. McDaniels goes to LA with Caserio and Garropolo, and Shanny goes to San Diego.

      1. The Rams just invested the #1 pick in Goff and now they are getting Garropolo? STUPID!!!!!!

        1. Prime, I am glad you admit you are, but maybe your invective was hurled at the Rams.

          Maybe they would trade Goff to NE as part of the whole deal.

          Bellichick might rejuvenate him.

          LA is not going to stay with Goff if everyone thinks he is a bust. Kroenke needs a big name QB for his brand new stadium. Goff will not fill those seats.

          1. Like I said, call your doctor, take some time off from making football remarks and take a vacation. Soon Kap and you can ride off to Cleveland together!

  60. Bad predictions Seb if they would come true! Personally i think we either need Shanahan, Mcdaniels or McVay in this order as HC and Wolf or Caserio as GM than we would be back on the map with this grand slam if we dont get them we still suck than imho.

    1. Sorry, but Mcdaniels and Shanahan will take a look at Jed and Paraag, and see that they will be the ones firing them before that last game.

      They are too smart to destroy their careers for a Mommy’s boy and suit.

    1. If he says that about the coaching, imagine what he is saying about the ownership. He will kiss Jed’s ass, then stab him in the back.

      1. We get it Seb. You are in full Niners hate mode because they are about to jettison your one true love. But, you could at least feign some hope for a positive outcome of this situation.

        1. Bah, the hate around here is so thick, you could cut it with a knife.

          Go ahead, kiss Jed’s heiny, I will not.

          1. >>Go ahead, kiss Jed’s heiny, I will not.

            So what’s your alternative? Burn it all down while the Yorks are owners? They are not going anywhere, this is the card we fans are dealt with. Jed had a moment of lucidity in hiring Harbaugh, he’s capable of doing it again.

            1. Rib, Jed should have an intervention. Mommy should take pity on her son and save him by being the adult in the room. She has all the power to spank Jed, tell him to go to his cabana, promote Gamble and bring back Chip.

              Believe me, it will spare Jed lots more pain and humiliation.

            2. Another plan of action would be for Jed to admit his deficiencies, and then ask his uncle to lead the search.

              Jed could retire to his cabana, and let a real man take over.

  61. “If the 49ers want a defensive coordinator as their next head coach, they should hire the best DC in the NFL — Vic Fangio.”

    Just because he is a good DC doesn’t mean he is a good HC candidate. I think the fact he has been a good DC for a while now and continues to get very few interviews for HC roles is an indicator of what teams think of him as a HC candidate. Some guys should stick to being coordinators.

              1. You’d know better than me, but sure seemed like he was a pretty reserved character. Dry humour, blunt, to the point.

              2. Reserved means slow to reveal emotions or opinions. Blunt means uncompromisingly forthright.

              3. Well, I’m not going to argue language with you, I’ll get a beat down like Rousey!

              4. What happened to her?? She’s through!

                To the point, though — head coaches don’t have to be rah-rah guys to be effective. Seifert wasn’t rah rah.

              5. She sure is. She should give it up, go do something else. She’s been great for the sport, generated interest, but now she is in danger of becoming a joke.

                You are correct they don’t need to be rah-rah, but I do think that (rightly or wrongly) many prospective employers look for guys that bring that energy thinking it will equate to motivating the players. Which I think is part of the issue Fangio may have. That, and he’s not a kiss a$$.

              6. Rousey has always been overrated.

                http://www.news.com.au/sport/ufc/ronda-rousey-is-completely-overrated/news-story/4ecd8c59a239b06a624fb948e51adf80

                Think of Dana White as Vince McMahon. White had an Olympic medal winner. So he gave her opponents she could easily beat to make her a star. In wrestling it’s called a strong booking.

                Rousey fought weak fighters and grapples like herself but they were often smaller, advantage Rousey. Holly Holm had a boxing and kickboxing background. She also was taller and had a slight reach advantage. Ronda couldn’t get in close enough to apply her holds. Holm exposed her. This is why McGregor would get destroyed by Mayweather in a boxing match. MMA is crap compared to boxing.

                Rousey was all Dana White hype. To his credit, he did a hell of a job. Rousey should retire and go to WWE.

  62. Option A would include either Caserio or Wolf. Both are top options for this organization, no way to put one above the other at this point.

    I prefer Wolf but wouldn’t be upset if it was Caserio instead.

  63. I don’t know much about Louis Riddick and have no strong opinion about him but to completely dismiss him for one reason that he has worked in the media the last 3 years is ridiculous. I imagine sports journalist (not sports opinion writers) have to develop close relationships with front office and on the field personnel. Creating strong working relationships with GM’s HC’s and others working in the front office. His position at ESPN has certainly allowed him to closely monitor both current NFL and college players. If Riddick was good at his job 3 years ago I believe he would still be capable today. My favorite candidate is Wolf but I believe it would be ridiculous to eliminate him as a candidate for the sole reason that he has recently worked in the media

  64. OAKLAND RAIDERS ✔ @RAIDERS
    “I think @Connor_Cook03 has the confidence and trust in his guys to make plays.”

    Read: http://bit.ly/2hVxMDF

    CONNOR COOK: “I’m just going to go out there and make plays for my teammates,” Cook said. “I’ve never been the kind of rah-rah kind of guy. I’m going to be vocal inside the huddle. I’m going to communicate to my guys on the sideline and stuff like that, but I would always just go out there and try to make plays and let the play speak for itself.”

    Any predictions Grant?

  65. Steve Young on KNBR:
    “Please don’t bring in a defensive guy into San Francisco. Don’t bring in an offensive guy to Pittsburgh. Don’t bring in an offensive guy to Chicago. It’s just, there’s places that have a heritage and it just doesn’t resonate. And so please don’t tell me we have this tremendous defensive mind that we’re going to bring into San Francisco.”
    Amen!

    1. Where was Young when Trent Baalke and Tomsula were hired? Duh. Little late to the party Steve.

      1. Mike Shanahan, Mike Holmgren, Gary Kubiak, Bobb McKittrick, Mike Solari, Bill McPherson, Ray Rhodes and Tom Holmoe may have something to say to Seifert about their respective roles if Seifert took much credit for the Niners success during his years (but Seifert wouldn’t do that).

        Seifert was a pretty good coach but the only reason he had the level of success he had was because he followed right after Walsh and inherited the loaded team and coaching staff.

        I agree with Young that Niners should not settle for just a competent DC (e.g., Fangio) for rebuilding the team. It’d be better to roll the dice with a rising offensive coach like McVay or an established coach like McDaniels than a Vance Joseph.

        1. I agree Mood. Young’s point resonates with me. This is a team that redefined offense at one time. They have been under the control of Parcell’s philosophy for far too long. It’s time to make offense the focus and identity of this organization again.

        2. “Seifert was a pretty good coach but the only reason he had the level of success he had was because he followed right after Walsh and inherited the loaded team and coaching staff.”

          No argument from me on this. I was simply making a tongue in cheek comment given that two of his 3 Super Bowl wins were coached by a defensive minded head coach.

          1. Are we doing playoffs in the pick em CFC? The games aren’t showing up for me at the moment, just week 17.

            1. Was pretty sure I had enabled them at the start but apparently not. I’ve fixed that. Like usual, the league will continue through the SB.

    2. I have to disagree with Young. If the 49ers someone from the defensive side of the ball, it does not mean they are denying their heritage; that guy simply needs to hire a capable OC to run the offense.

      1. With a few exceptions, DCs-turned-HCs are routinely unwilling or unable to attract good offensive minds as OCs. When they do, they leave for HC position very soon after tasting some success. The reason is simple: this is a offense-driven league with high-turnover of HCs, and good offensive minds will always get a HC offer. Conversely, there are always competent DCs looking for a job.

        1. HCs with a defensive background are more likely to attract good OCs. They don’t interfere with the OC. Many HCs with an offensive background want to run their own system.

          Top HC candidates this year are Shanahan and McDaniels. Both with defensive HCs. Gase was the hot candidate last year. Defensive HC. Basically, if you want to get noticed as an OC, working for a defensive HC is the best way to do it, as everyone knows it is your offense, not your HCs.

          1. > They don’t interfere with the OC.
            Many of them actually do, including Jeff Fisher. With a few exceptions, and unless they inherit a high-powered offense, they invariably want a limited, low-risk, ball control offense that wins by a few points, often settling for field goals. They neglect or mismanage QB development. For every Bellichick or Del Rio there are more Paganos, Bowles, Fishers, Ryans, etc. I think all but one of the coaches fired the past few weeks were from a defensive background. I think defensive-minded coaches are having more of a tough time in the past 5-10 years as NFL pushes to be a more offense-oriented league.

            > HCs with a defensive background are more likely to attract good OCs.
            So the chances of a revolving door of OCs is higher with a DC as a HC as these successful OCs leave?

            1. Many of them don’t interfere, either. Like the guys I outlined above.

              Basically, it doesn’t matter if they have an offensive or defensive background. What matters is their personality. Need to get a guy who isn’t a control freak. And if they at core believe in keeping things tight and low risk, they will probably favour a stodgy offense and defense (Jim Harbaugh, btw, falls into this mould despite being an offensive guy). If they believe in risk vs reward, they will likely favour a high powered offense and a defense that focuses on splash plays but can give up big plays. For example, Mike Tomlin.

              1. IMO, Mike Tomlin has succeeded as a “leader of men” because he has been brought into a very successful, functional organization and systematically set-up for success with the help of a patient ownership, a competent GM, experienced scouts with an eye for talent at skill positions.

                If Tomlin had been hired by one of the bottom feeder franchises (and our beloved Niners are now one of them), he’d been back as a DC before too long.

                Niners need much more than a leader of men and an assertive personality. They need a coach and GM with a shared vision on offense.

              2. Sure, without the organisational structure Tomlin may have been a washout as a HC. But the same goes with any HC. Need the right structure to succeed. Doesn’t diminish Tomlin in any way. And he is more than just a leader of men. He’s smart, and knows what he should control and when he should let others have autonomy.

                Its probably little known, but he has equal say on draft picks with the GM. If either Tomlin or Colbert don’t like a player, they are removed from their draft board. If their is a dispute about a player, it is resolved collaboratively, or as a last resort by Rooney. But you never hear about any issues. He’s not just a leader, he’s also able to set aside his ego and listen and work with others.

                The 49ers need a HC and a GM with a shared vision, period. Not just on offense.

      2. We need miracles and capable won’t hack it. Jed doesn’t have the patience to allow the time for capable to work. Look at how capable has worked (good) because Davis has had patience.

    3. I get why fans want an offensive minded coach – heck, its more fun watching an offensive minded team – but this is a dumb way to conduct a HC search. Don’t cut your list of candidates in half just because you want an offensive guy. Take the best guy for the job, no matter the background. Every team has to play both offense and defense. Having a HC with a specialty in offense is no guarantee of success. Having a coach with a defensive background does not mean your offense will be boring or rubbish. Belichick, Tomlin, Carroll, Quinn, Rivera, Del Rio – these guys have all had explosive offenses the past few years.

      Hire the guy that will do the most to help you win!

      1. You have to interview everybody, but my preference would be an offensive minded Coach. If they hire a Defensive guy and he’s able to bring in a great OC, that works too, but as I’ve mentioned before, I don’t want to see a young QB lose the OC and have to go through the learning curve multiple times. It’s also easier to change a defense than an offense so losing a DC isn’t nearly as chaotic.

        1. Why is it easier to change a D than an O? I guess if you have a young QB it is, but with a veteran QB changing offense isn’t that big an issue – or at least no bigger an issue than changing D.

          I agree you don’t want your OC leaving every year. But getting 3 years out of an OC is sufficient, especially if you have a good assistant learning the offense under that OC ready to take over.

          1. Defense is positioning and reaction Scooter. Much easier to change that than having to learn new plays and go through the repetitions needed to master them. Even if it’s somebody on the staff already, he has to know how to call a play sequence and develop a rhythm.

            1. If it is so easy to learn, why do players so often complain about the D being too complex, and commenting about how they like it when the DC dumbs it down so they can play fast? Surely if it is easy to pick up there should be no such issues?

              1. We are talking in comparison between offense and defense Scooter. Some defenses are more complex than others, but don’t compare to what players have to learn and practice offensively. Defense at it’s very core is read and react. Offense is working as a unit with everything blowing up if even one guy doesn’t do his job. I’ve played both sides and it’s much easier to learn a defense and go out and play fairly quickly than it is on the offensive side.

              2. Having said that, I will also add that physically it’s harder to play defense because of the read and react factor. You really need athletes on defense to play effectively.

              3. Regardless, give the HC that will win games. I don’t give two hoots what their background is.

              4. That’s what we all want. Problem is you don’t know who that guy is before hand so you have to look at every detail and figure out who gives you the best chance to win short and long term. I hope Jed gets lucky and finds that tandem that gets this team back on track.

              5. No we don’t. Which is why I find it baffling when people say they need to hire an offensive guy. Seems silly. Take the guy that is the best leader, has a strong plan/ vision, can hire good assistants, and can work with the GM to get the right players. If that is an offensive guy then great. If it isn’t, who gives a darn, hire that guy.

              6. Rocket,

                > You really need athletes on defense to play effectively.
                Baalke drafted a bunch of big athletic picks and hoping they would turn out to be good football players. Not surprisingly, the ones that worked out in this draft crapshoot were mostly players on defense.

                Scooter,

                To quote the hapless Jedster: “Nothing I’m going to say is going to be a satisfactory answer”. Anyway, IMO, the Niners have the talent of an expansion franchise (like they were back in 2005) and this is the opportunity to set a vision and direction for the team by talent acquisition via draft and free agency. I’d prefer an offense-minded coach and GM setting the direction.

                Not saying that a DC can’t be a successful HC, but the chances are better with a successful OC with decent people skills. How does one even evaluate “leadership capabilities” of coordinators? Ability and willingness to communicate, OTOH, is something one can learn by talking to their colleagues (Baalke was awful at it). I’ve also heard that McDaniel has communication problems with the Broncos and that’s the reason I’d prefer Shanahan over McDaniel.

              7. Having said all that, since the coaches under consideration are quite young, I definitely think that Jed needs to hire a GM first who hires the coach, not the other way round.

              8. I agree with Scooter about the offensive HC paradigm.

                The HC needs to be balanced. If the HC is more offensive oriented, the important thing is to have a good DC.

                Walsh had Sieffert. Bellichick has Patricia. JH had Fangio. Kubiak has Phillips.

                Shula had Marino, but could not win with no defense. Payton has Breeze, but is out of the playoffs with no defense.

              9. Scooter I couldn’t disagree more.
                Offenses are much harder to change.
                Even a complex D isn’t half as complicated as simple NFL offense.
                If an offense changes, for qb’s not only the plays change but so do the routes, progressions and terminology. Linemen will also have learn the new blocking concepts, leverage points, audibles, blitz pickups.
                There is very good reason that intelligence is more of a requirement on the offensive side of the ball. While athleticism is more of a requirement for defensive players.

              10. And yet we see a number of offenses that routinely put up big numbers regardless of the OC. And see good OCs come into teams and have the offense purring in one offseason. The idea of long term continuity is nice, but not necessary. The main thing is to avoid constant upheaval.

              11. “And yet we see a number of offenses that routinely put up big numbers regardless of the OC”
                A new OC doesn’t necessarily dictate a new offensive system, a case in point would be KC, or any Offense run by Peyton Manning or the 49ers under Walsh. This is often the case in the NFL, as most coaches come from an offensive background.
                *Note* I have no issue with taking a defensive coach, in fact I think most of the best candidates that will be available to us are on the defensive side of the ball. My argument is that it is harder to change your offensive system than it is to change your defense. And that offenses are far more complex than defenses.

  66. To me, the Jed/Paraag pony show is as embarrassing as the Jim Tomsula introductory press conference. I don’t think anyone with any options is going to want to work for them, unless they get paid exorbitantly, which might be out there. I do not believe they have fired Tom Gamble yet, someone please correct me if I am wrong. If he is still with them, I think he has a good chance of being the next GM. Apologies if this has already been discussed. I’ve stayed away from the blog because this is just history repeating itself and it’s sad to watch.

    1. York strongly implied in his press conference that Gamble is not currently a candidate for the GM position. I believe that their thinking is that they want to bring in “talent” from outside the organization. While York has been bad, I think we’ll find that it was Baalke who really screwed up this organization.

      I’ve long held the belief that it was York who put the kabosh on hiring Gase – but it now appears that it might have been Baalke. At the time, I was a huge Gase supporter and it made sense to me that a football mind (presumably Baalke) would not pass up Gase whereas a “pedestrian” mind (presumably York) would give the job to one of his favorites (Tomsula). Now it appears that might not have been the case.

      If that is true, it might also provide some explanation as to why York has been able to justify to himself that he is qualified to be directly involved in the HC (outside of his own ego). If he wanted Gase and allowed Baalke to trump him then York believes that he has the qualifications to conduct the search (because Gase has been successful as the Miami HC). He just made the mistake of relying to heavily on his GM, Baalke.

      1. “York strongly implied in his press conference that Gamble is not currently a candidate for the GM position.”

        This is true, cubus. I’m just thinking we are dealing with fools.

    2. That’s been the York pattern George. He is sitting there like a lump of coal under a Christmas tree.

  67. While I am not thrilled by the idea of a fourth new head coach in four years, I was mostly disappointed by Kelly’s performance as the HC. A few low moments:

    1. In the NY Jets game, 4th and 1 in overtime from the Jets 35. Goes for it (right move) and comes up with a run by Hyde into the teeth of the defense (wrong call). Hyde was stuffed for a loss, the Jets got the ball and marched to the winning score. Kelly was billed as an offensive genius and that was his play call in that situation? I pretty much dropped off the Kelly bandwagon after that play call.

    2. In the week 17 Seattle game, the offense had finally showed a sign of life in the fourth quarter after the usual offensive swoon in the third (a season long trend!). Kaepernick completed a nice pass for about 20 yards only to have the play called back for an illegal formation penalty. The left tackle was uncovered at the line of scrimmage. Every fan, every high school player, heck every 11 year old Pop Warner player knows that the tackles need to be covered. It is football 101. Yet, in week 17, Kelly’s team makes this dumb mistake in a crucial situation. The blame has to be on the coaches, and the buck stops with Kelly.

    I also realized after watching a Kelly coached team for a year that his offensive style does place an undue burden on the defense. Supposedly he dialed back his usual fast paced offense this year, but still the defense was almost always gassed by the third quarter. Case in point: The final 5 minutes of the week 17 Seattle game. After closing to within two points with Seattle’s backup quarterback in the game, the defense was not able to get off the field.

    I believe Kelly’s style will never be successful in the NFL. Jed made the right call in getting rid of Kelly along with Baalke.

    1. Rick, I will respectfully disagree. Chip was handicapped by Baalke and his micromismanagement of the roster. While I concede that Chip could have prepared the team better, he just did not have enough talent to make his system work. Niners had 2 cut FAs and an ACL pick in that last game. With better receivers, they would be more productive.

      Yes, I will concede that Chip needed to spend more time fixing the defense, but he was also hampered by losing his NT before the season started, with no FA NTs signed, and none drafted.

      Losing Ray Ray and Bow really hurt, and Tank disappeared. The defense set records in futility, which doomed the offense. Baalke ignored the ILB position in the draft, so Chip was set up to fail.

      1. I do agree that Baalke did not do Kelly any favors with his personnel moves. I hold Baalke about 75% responsible for the fiasco which was the 2016 season.

        However Kelly has to take responsibility for the way the offense stalled at the start of the second half in almost every game. Once or twice you can say they were just having a bad day. When the same thing happened over and over again for 16 games, you have to look at the coaching staff.

        BTW: I do give Kelly credit for fixing the run defense midway through the season. Starting with the Dolphin game, they actually looked like an NFL quality defense against the run. Unfortunately, the secondary was lousy against the pass for all 16 weeks, and the pass rush was pretty much non existent the whole year. You can get away with a weak secondary if you have a great pass rush or you can live with a weak pass rush if you have a great secondary. However there is no way you can win games if both areas are lousy as we found out this year.

        1. Rick, the second half regression was alarming, Maybe they practiced too hard before the game and ran out of steam.

          You could also say the lack of adjustments were on the coaching staff.

          No matter how bad the offense is, fixing the defense should be the number one priority. O’Neil needs to go.

          They should sign FAs to fill every hole, and draft for depth.

  68. I understand with Steve Young is saying by wanting an offense of minded guy. However I am happy that the Niners are interviewing Sean McDermott because he has a long track record of Defensive success at a very high-level with Carolina.
    I believe there was a long time defensive assistant with the New York Giants that has his offense doing pretty well in New England right now & for the past 15 years.

  69. Mention of George Seifert evoked the memory from The Stick of The Faithful chanting:
    “No more sweeps! No more sweeps! No more sweeps!”
    We were kinda pist at the time, pretty funny now.

    1. IICRC, Young and Rice went to Eddie and asked him to tell George to leave the offense alone and stick to the defense.

      1. Pete Carroll runs a D that is similar to Seifert’s Elephant Defense. I’ve always preferred the 4-3. Here is a blast from the past.

        http://home.earthlink.net/~seifertsite/changeup.html

        Instead of having a 4-3 and WCO we have 3-4 and power ball, and whatever Kelly called his offense. I don’t get this. The 4-3 and WCO aren’t antiquated systems that no longer work. The Parcells style offense is the system that has run its course.

        1. Lol. They had John Harty and Dwaine Board at ends and Michael Carter at NT, then they brought in Charles Haley!

          Wow, that was one impressive line.

    2. The internet is wonderful. I was watching the 88 SuperBowl on YouTube and I remembered when I got frustrated at a game when they kept running Roger Craig on sweeps and it just was not working that day. Could not recall if it was Walsh or Sieffert, it’s been a long time. Do not start chants, do not do the wave, but in my Sec 4 seat 7 (had 1981-2005) stood on my seat and told the people around me, “We got to stop these sweeps, are you with me?” They said yes, so I started chanting “No More Sweeps!” So I just googled it and darn found this.

      It caught on and the whole stadium joined the chant. They did not sweep again. When I got home in the press conf the coach when asked said if it affected his calls he said he thought about it, and sure enough the sweeps were not working, the fans were right so I stopped calling them.

      It was Sept 30 1990 against Jets found this: Fans of the San Francisco 49ers didn’t like the play selections of coach George Seifert and loudly let him know it.

      The 49ers were so bad running outside that Roger Craig had 26 yards on 13 attempts. In total, the Niners ran outside 18 times and either lost yardage or didn’t gain any on 11 of those plays.

      With 8:47 left to play their fans in Candlestick Park started a “No more sweeps” chant.

      My only NFL coaching experience ;-)

      Amused to no end it is still remembered by others.

      1. Whoops that article talked about Jets too, but the “No More Sweeps Game” was against Atlanta Falcons. Correct info:
        09/23/1990 Atlanta Falcons 13 @ San Francisco 49ers 19
        Roger Craig 18 carries 26 yards Average 1.44yds
        Montana saves the day 398 yards.

  70. The more I read on McVay the more I’m intrigued, even though he’s my age, which seems to be the only knock on him.

    How do u feel about McVay Grant? I wonder what GM would be willing to work with him.

  71. Allow me to clarify. Cable is not the next wave of talent. And he is not the CURRENT wave of talent. He was not in any previous wave of talent.

  72. I can see it now. Gamble is promoted and at the same time announces his choice for head coach — Cable. Gamble will intimate that the only reason Cable’s OL work was so poor it that his GM didn’t provide OL talent.

  73. I think the Patriots still remember that the 49ers gave them unfettered access to all aspects of the team when Mr. Kraft bought the team. I noticed Steve Young said this week that whenever he goes to New England it is like going back to Mr. D’s ownership, where everything is done to perfection.

    I think they miss the Niners. If the “Holy Trinity” makes it’s way West don’t be surprised if Chip Kelley takes Coach McDaniels spot in New England. Just a bit of salt in the wound, New England doesn’t use a Fullback either, and they don’t always huddle, pretty easy fit…

  74. “Beane would be Trent Baalke 2.0.”

    Yep. Plus, does the Bay Area really need another Beane as GM?

  75. Grant,

    I agree with you on the Josh Norman decision. Whether it is more Beane or McDermott, they think CBs are easily replaced because of their pass rush.

    It would be an interesting choice if Beane/McDermott could fix our front seven but Beane is very low on my list. Just above Riddick.

    1. Good read Mid. Interesting that a Pioli meeting hasn’t been scheduled. The Shanahan meeting wasn’t scheduled right away either.

      I think Jed’s first choice is the Pats marriage because they would get Garoppolo. Wolf is his second choice as GM.

      If Jed believes that the Shanahan’s floated the story about his parents removing him from football operations Kyle has no chance here.

      If it comes down to ass kissing Riddick will be hired. This is Jed’s most likely decision.

      I was excited about Baalke and Kelly being fired but it was handled poorly, as usual. Then came Jed’s depress conference. He isn’t going anywhere and neither is Marathe. I expect more failure.

      1. Riddick did not kiss ass. He stated the truth which is that the Niners situation is one of the best out there for a GM. Start from scratch with Picks and a ton of cap space. Niners would be lucky to get Riddick. Hence why most good up incoming GMs are interviewing.

        1. Riddick- ‘ He(Jed) will give, whoever is given that position, the support and the time to get that done.’

          Too bad Chip was promised 3 years and was fired after one.

          Riddick- ‘ There is not a whole lot of impediments to the success there, provided that he makes good on everything he says, and why wouldn’t you take him at his word?’

          Jed- ‘Hold me accountable..’ ‘ You do not fire the owner’.

          That whole interview was one big suck up.

    1. Ha! Funny, but sad at the same time. KC could surprise in the playoffs. I wouldn’t put any money on it though.

  76. Like Ann Killion said in her latest article: “Jed likes boot lickers.”

    So, any coach with a backbone or opinion apply elsewhere.

    The 49ers only hire mollycoddlers.

    Mollycoddler Definition:

    EasyBib

    Definition of mollycoddle

    :
    a pampered or effeminate man or boy

  77. What does Jed want in a HC? He does not want a HC to say that he cant work with Kaep and it would be better to just let him go.

    Niners need a HC who will say that he can take anyone, even Kaep, and be able to win with him. Of course, Kaep, with his good performances, would be intriguing to any savvy coach. Jed definitely does not need some coach who does not know how to maximize a player’s potential, or gives up without even trying.

              1. Jed’s fine. I blame his whole “nothing I’ll say will satisfy” on Brian Murphy from his post-Harbaugh firing interview. What a classic.

              2. That Murph interview was fantastic. One of the few times I’ve ever heard a sports interview done with true anger and scorn toward the subject of the interview.

            1. I have a party shoppe nearby and their Baalke pinatas have long sold out. They’re not expecting anymore in stock….

  78. NFL’s Well documented no nothing York Family:

    The Yorks have struggled to hire well. When the 49ers were still considered a desirable coaching destination, the Yorks failed miserably by hiring Dennis Erickson. Even worse, the coaching search lasted so long that Erickson had little time to hire assistant coaches, resulting in an overmatched coaching staff and a muddled offensive scheme. When hiring Erickson’s (and GM Terry Donahue’s) replacement, the Yorks made the odd decision to grant Mike Nolan full control over football operations, even though he was a first-time head coach with no experience on the personnel side.

    No GM candidate with multiple options would accept a job that won’t grant them enough time, control, and stability to have a fair opportunity to succeed, and the Yorks are currently viewed as meddlesome, directionless, and impatient…

    They are just as likely to fail at identifying the right candidate as they are to fail in attracting any qualified candidates they may seek.

    http://www.49erswebzone.com/commentary/1636-firing-trent-baalke-part-two-case-keeping/

    1. TomD,
      The problem with the 49er organization all began with Terry Donahue who was recommended strongly by Bill Walsh so I guess there is enough blame to go around.

  79. San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York looking in right places for a ‘winning team’

    Tom Pelissero , USA TODAY Sports 6:31 p.m. ET Jan. 5, 2017

    The pattern was obvious as soon as candidates began to emerge for the San Francisco 49ers’ head coach and general manager vacancies.

    Josh McDaniels and Nick Caserio … from the New England Patriots. Eliot Wolf and Brian Gutekunst … from the Green Bay Packers. Tom Cable, Trent Kirchner and Scott Fitterer … from the Seattle Seahawks.

    49ers CEO Jed York repeatedly mentioned his desire to “re-establish a championship culture” …

    Culture is a real thing in professional sports, and particularly the NFL. It starts with the coach and GM, who need to share a vision and accountability, and flows from there.

    So if you’re rooting for York to hire his new brain trust and then get out of the way, which you can bet is his preference, you should at least take it as a good sign the 49ers’ search is focused on people who have been around cultures that work and know what it’s all supposed to look like.

    http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/49ers/2017/01/05/san-francisco-49ers-coach-general-manager-search/96221012/

  80. Regarding Kaep and a new coach. I don’t think a new coach will get behind Kaep. 3 coaches in a row have bitten the dust riding Kaep. Even if Kaep could somehow change the game, I just don’t see a new coach signing up to be Kaep’s 4th casualty. The definition of insanity…..

  81. It does not matter which GM or HC they hire as long Jed and Parag are in charge.

    Need new ownership!!!!
    Denise please sell the team!!!!

  82. All the old hens here clucked and clucked to get rid of the latest coaching hire. History has shown that this organization cannot competently hire a coach, but that didn’t matter. Now you all got what you wished for and you’re praying for a NE coaching tandem.
    What you hens forget is that Chip Kelly is good friends with Bellichick. Kelly will be interviewed about how SF FO operates. After that interview, the options out of NE will dissolve. Any viable options will dissolve.

    1. I would suppose any other candidates would pick up the phone and call both JH and Tomsula, too. I wonder what they would say.

      You shall reap what you sow.

  83. Why do I get the feeling York and Paraag have already settled on a blah GM and are simply continuing the dog and pony show for us fans to show how “hard” they worked on this? It’s not like the Yorks have given us any reason to doubt them and all :/

    1. My guess is Riddick. He is licking their boots.

      I gotta laugh. Jed and Paraag are traveling all over. The candidates are making those clowns come to them, so they are already at a disadvantageous position.

      If they were doing their due diligence, they would interview Holmgren. Since I have not heard a word about him, both Jed and Paraag are just going to be rejected and humiliated more. Jed, bringing Wormtongue with him, already failed the interview.

  84. Hi Grant. Question? What if Jed was being told by his “people that he respects” like his Uncle Eddie, that he needed to be interviewing these GM’s and coaches at tthe same time? Do you think it’s possible that he’s being instructed to do so by his higher ups?

    1. Absolutely not. Competent people would tell Jed to hire a director of football operations to lead this search. No sane person would tell Jed to lead it himself.

        1. The team should not take Barnett that high, they need to address WR sooner, and Mixon is currently a toxic pick due to his hot-headed history.

          1. I disagree with the Music City Madman not being worthy of that high a pick. He’s the first in SEC History to record at least 10 sacks 3 years straight! He owns Reggie White’s record. He’s an elite pass rusher, relentless, a great clubhouse leader and he won’t turn 21 years old until mini camp….

            Mixon will be drafted and I’d take a flyer on him in the 6th with the agreement that if he screws the pooch just one time, he’ll be released.

              1. I don’t think you can trade out of the top ten and assume you’ll be able to get Barnett….

              2. Seb, I don’t go by rankings. I go by film study along with production and background. Those rankings are too preliminary to be given too much credence….

              3. True, everything will change after the Combine.

                I did watch some Tennessee games, and Barnett seemed to live in their backfield, so I like him, too.

                Still, that Stanford Bowl game showed that Solomon Thomas was unstoppable.

            1. Two is way to high for someone that was moved all around on the defense in order to create favorable match ups during a game. He handled his self well against Cam Robinson, but that is not saying much. Thomas or Willis make more sense because they could be drafted in another round.

              1. Barnett has better production than Garrett in the SEC, which I don’t have to tell you is viewed as the best conference in college football….

              2. Garrett was also playing through an injury this season. Garrett will also probably bEdith taken by the Browns.

              3. You don’t get through a season of football without getting some type of injury. The ones that can avoid the severe injury, and play through the nagging ones while still being productive are the type of players I want….

              4. Razor,
                Not anymore, Bama may still be the best team but the SEC isn’t even close to being the best conference.
                #1 Big10 (PJ Flecks hiring makes them even stronger(
                #2 ACC
                #3 SEC……maybe

              5. OldCoach, get back to me after the first round in the 2017 NFL draft and we’ll compare the conferences….

              6. Razor,
                I believe you will be correct using 1st RD picks as the only measure of conference strength but remove Bama from the mix and I think you will find the SEC is not the best conference “top to bottom”

              7. Virtually every opponent slid its protection toward Barnett’s side and assigned two (and occasionally three) blockers to him, and defensive coordinator Bob Shoop made some opponents pay for that by dropping Barnett in coverage while blitzing from the other side of the field….

            2. I agree Mixon will be drafted, but I would rather see him go to a team without such a ladasxial leadership that the 49ers currently have.

              1. I fully expect the leadership factor to be addressed by the new regime, not only from on high, but among the ranks. You still have Staley on the offensive side that can chaperone Mixon, although I think you raise a legitimate concern….

        2. Razor, I see you going for Mahomes.

          What happened to your championing Kizer? He might be available in the second round.

          1. I believe Kizer is the best prospect at the position in this draft. CFC banged the table for Mahomes, and I’m on board. By bringing in Cousins, we get a gamer who is familiar with the system and can train a raw prospect for a year or two. We can then move on from Cousins or trade Mahomes like the Patriots….

            1. I think Trubisky is better than Mahomes, but Kayaa may be equal to them, too, and also be available later on.

              1. Well, of course I want Kaep back, so Trubisky would be perfect to sit and study for a year or two.

                I agree that he would fail if he was thrown to the wolves and forced to start right away.

        3. I’ve watched all the QB’s likely to be available in this draft at one point or another, and I’m still catching up on some games I’ve recorded, but the more I watch, the more I’m convinced that taking a QB in the first round in 17 would be a mistake. Day two will be the time to take one and get the best value imo.

          You could take Mahomes, Kaaya or Kelly on day two and have just as much of a chance to find a starter as you would taking Kizer, Watson or Trubisky in round one imo. There really isn’t much of a gap here if at all.

        4. Joe mixon is a way higher talent than that. I could only hope the Niners select him.
          His off the field antics scare me though

          1. I think KC took a flyer on Hill in the 5th without a video tape of incident, that’s why I have Mixon still on the board in the 6th….

        5. Razor,
          Nice list. My only concerns are Floyd and Mixon. IMO, their talent is overshadowed by their suspect character.

      1. Hmmm, competent, sane? Gee Grant, didn’t you ask him that exact thing in the PC?

        Pat yourself on the back. ;p

      2. Except in your theory he would also be incapable of hiring a director of football operations. So if he’s capable of that, he’s capable of hiring a coach & GM. Something you certainly agreed with when it came to the hiring of Baalke (continuity) & Harbaugh (hot coaching prospect)…

        Which just goes to show how stupid and fickle your theory is. Especially in light of NFL history which has shown anyone whose ever paid attention to it that the ‘right hire’ is mostly a matter of luck, not skill.

        The Steelers went through DECADES of losing until they hired Noll. Not for lack of trying, but just bad luck. They hired good prospects. But they just didn’t work out.

        Or look at Eddie. Fired Monte Clark then the three idiots he hired before Walsh. That was four coaches in two years. Plus the idiot GM he’d hired.

        According to your theory he couldn’t ever possibly have hired Walsh (especially as Walsh turned him down in 1977) because he was too stupid. Yet he did. Even though Walsh, his #1 target, had turned him down in 1977. (It’s a tad more complex, but that’s the essence.)

        1. Your whole argument is fallacious considering you are comparing Jed to Eddie.

          Jed is an incompetent arrogant berk, who has no clue.

          Eddie surrounded himself with smart football minds, and let them do their job. Jed is so stupid, he thinks he is smart enough to do it himself.

          Eddie is in the Hall of Fame

          Jed is in the Hall of Shame.

  85. In 1980 the San Diego Padres hired Jerry Coleman, their radio play by play guy to be the team’s Manager. I remember thinking how funny that was that ownership liked the running critiques of a radio guy who’s paid to keep his lips flapping over what his then current Manager was doing in the dugout. At least Jerry had a Big Leagues resume as a former player.
    Can we imagine if the Niners were turned over to one of our NorCal media experts?
    TK? Killion? Grant?
    Laughable. Like most of us posters on this blog, Grant would have lead this team far, far astray. Tyler Wilson anyone?
    Or one of us? Smh
    And me too! Taylor Mays! Stephen Hill! I was all in for Kwame Harris! Dang.
    Oh yeah, and on Kwame….(wait for it!)…..the front office was actually reading my comments and were so,impressed that they took my specific advice, and no one else’s, to draft Kwame in Round #1. I apologize.
    See? So Seb and TomD and Grant are probably right that the team has been mining this blog and taking their advice on game planning and personnel management issues. Yup, pretty sure on that.
    Of course, given a 2-14 record…..I guess we’ve been doing a poor job, LOL!
    We’re all a bunch of know-it-alls. Amusing to see the odd blogger who scolds and scorns the rest of the commenters, since that random blogger knows soooooo much more than anybody else.

    1. BT, now that you mention it, since they hired a DJ to coach the QBs, and now want to hire a talking head, maybe they should look to the blogs for a candidate.

      My resume? Look at my mock drafts. Before last year’s draft. I nailed 3 of the players they selected- Buckner, Garnett and Cooper.

      Look at my mocks. I wanted to trade back to get more picks. They leaped forward and lost picks. I wanted players like Leonard Floyd, he had 7 sacks this year. I wanted Hogan, who did well in limited action. In my mocks, I selected players like Prosise, who ran 76 yards for a TD, and Nick Kwaitkowski, who wrecked the Niners.

      Of course, Jed would never choose me in a million years after I called him a mommy’s boy and a clueless imbecile, but I still will put up all my mocks against what they did. I think they would have done better with my selections because I definitely avoided any ACL picks.

        1. That is the good thing about the blogs- they have archives.

          The season before, I wanted Bradley Roby, who was selected the next pick after Ward. Roby helped the Broncos win a SB, so he would have been a better choice than Ward, who was beaten like a drum this season.

            1. I did not have Ward on the draft board at all, due to his injury, but he was another player Baalke pulled out of his envelope, trying to pull another Carnak.

            2. Ward would be a SB winning CB and look like a rising star if he was selected by the Broncos too.

              Roby has been alright. He has some good games, and some stinkers. Just like Ward. But Roby has the benefit of playing behind two pro bowl CBs in a star studded defense. Ward doesn’t, yet is still pretty good. As much as 49er fans love to diss Ward, he’s a guy the 49ers should be building around. Lamenting missing out on Roby is ridiculous. He has not done enough to suggest he would be performing any better than Ward on the 49ers team.

              1. How many games did Ward miss in his career as opposed to Roby? That may be where the disconnect is….

              2. So the only reason Roby is better is because he has been healthier?

                Ward missed half his rookie season, but since then has played the vast majority of games. I think it is too soon to be declaring him injury prone. Its like when Patton was labelled injury prone after his first season. Since then he hadn’t missed a game due to injury until the last two games this season. I guess Armstead is injury prone too now?

              3. Availability, Scooter. Doesn’t help the team if you’re not on the field. Ward is a true Free Safety anyways. Tartt/Ward should have been the starting safeties for this team. Roby is a true corner and has never missed a game due to injury….

              4. So while Ward was missing his first season, the Broncos won with Roby helping on several key plays.

                Sounds like the Broncos did well, and the Niners had another injured player not helping the team.

                Roby sounds even better to me.

              5. The talent around Roby may have had a little something to do with the Broncos winning the SB, just like it has something to do with how he looks as a player.

                Roby hasn’t shown he is anything special in 3 seasons. He’s just lucky to have been drafted onto a great D. But hey, don’t let that stop you from telling the world what a huge mistake it was taking Ward instead of him.

              6. Scooter, I may have been nit picking, but i guess I am the most upset about Baalke selecting another injured player who cannot help the team right away.

                I will concede Ward does have talent, and maybe the next coach will not play him out of position.

              7. Scooter, I liked Roby better but I never said it was a huge mistake passing on him over Ward. I just think he was a reach where he was selected because he had a bad wheel, which is kinda important to his trade….

              8. I guess my main issue is people second guessing with 20-20 hindsight regarding a player that has actually been decent and shown promise, and wanting to replace him with someone that hasn’t really been noticeably better.

                Put Ward at safety and he’s probably a better player than Roby.

                End of the day he’s a 49er and one of the more talented players on the roster. Lets be happy to have him.

              9. Scooter, of course we need to support him, and what is done is done.

                However, in the context of learning from mistakes and plotting future strategies, Baalke’s habit of drafting injured players have a poor track record, so it should be abandoned.

                Thankfully, Baalke is gone, and I hope the Niners will now draft fully healthy players that can immediately contribute. That is all I want, and I still want Ward to play if he plays in the right position.

      1. Hogan did well in limited action Seb?

        14 of 26 for 104 yards, a 53.8 comp %, 4.00yd avg, 0 TD, 2 INT, 31.6 QB rating.

        Hogan likely doesn’t have a future in the NFL, certainly not as a starter. While he can run, he’ll never be an passer with those mechanics.

        1. 49, he did have a rushing TD, but he also was leading the Browns, so he did not have a very good supporting cast.

          Who was he throwing to? A former QB.

          So, any predictions on Cook’s game? I just hope he hands off a lot.

          1. Like I said, Hogan can run. However, he sure didn’t impress the team that drafted him.

            Cooks in a tough spot. He’s got plenty of big game experience in college, but the NFL playoffs are a whole other animal. He’s got one week of first string reps under his belt, going up against one of the best passing defenses in the league, at least statistically.

            Connor’s got one thing going for him. He’s got ice in his veins. He’ll handle the pressure well, but has he had enough reps? I’ll be watching!!

              1. BUCKY BROOKS: “After the soul-crushing injury to Carr, fate might’ve dealt the Raiders a winning hand when it came to who would replace the MVP candidate in the postseason, with Cook being forced into the lineup. The rookie is not only a superior talent as a passer/playmaker to McGloin, but he’s built to play in high-pressure moments based on his experience at Michigan State. During his time as a Spartan, Cook posted a 34-5 mark as a starter, with a 4-1 mark in postseason play. Although he tossed an interception in each of his postseason appearances, he still managed to routinely get his team to the winner’s circle, which is ultimately the goal of the quarterback.

                Looking back at my notes prior to the 2016 NFL Draft, I thought Cook’s awareness and management skills were his biggest strengths as a player. As the director of a pro-style offense that placed a number of responsibilities on the quarterback to make “check with me” calls or audibles based on defensive fronts or coverage, Cook was exposed to some of the nuances that are routine for NFL quarterbacks. In addition, he was taught how to play complementary football in a program that has produced a number of NFL quarterbacks in recent years (such as Kirk Cousins, Brian Hoyer and Drew Stanton). As a result, Cook concluded his college career with a high touchdown-to-interception ratio (71:22) and learned the importance of ball security as it relates to winning games.

                From a physical standpoint, I loved Cook’s size (6-foot-4, 217 pounds) and pocket-passing ability. He was one of the few prospects in the 2016 class capable of making every throw in the book to every area of the field. Most impressive, Cook could change ball speed and trajectory to hit receivers in open windows on timing or anticipation throws between the hashes. With Cook also adept at firing lasers to the boundary on comebacks or “Okies” (deep outs), the Sparty QB forced opponents to defend every blade of grass, from sideline to sideline and end line to end line.”

    2. lol. Kwame Harris was the RT selection on my very first mock draft ever. The 49ers ‘Intelligentsia’ let me know what a complete and utter fool I was because he was a Top-15 draftee and a future stud LT.

      So I took him off and took Jason Witten instead. Which lead to more mockery of my mock drafts since they all used whatever draft guides and decided I was drafting him ‘way too high.’

      Harris was obviously not a stud LT. He was a great run blocker at RT. He never did learn to pass-protect at an NFL level though. Witten has a very good shot at a HOF berth as a TE. Sports Illustrated rates him as the #8 TE in NFL history. Except for Gronkowski, all the rest are HOFers.

      AFter all that I started to study the draft. And what I learned is that Post Round 3 the draft is mostly failures and second-rate players. And all those wanna-be-GMs are full of crap.

      Too many of those ‘can’t miss’ prospects they scream about just flat-out miss. And all those hot ‘hidden gems’ they think they’re unearthing are generally crap players who’ll be lucky to make a roster. And, in the rare occasion some 5th or 6th round player that may have, out of pure luck, fallen into one of their drafts hits… They kid themselves into thinking it was ‘skill.’

  86. Blank slate my a$$. The leaker is still in the building and the Indian bean counter is still on the payroll.

      1. Prime, last year when the Bronco’s were looking for a QB they talked Taylor vs. Kaepernick. Mark Schlereth was pretty bullish on Taylor before the season claiming to have watched all his footage and seeing a fully equipped QB. He was vehemently opposed to Kaepernick coming to Denver. I wonder how he feels now?

        Tyrod has a slightly better passing completion average, but his other numbers are about the same as CK’s 11 games to his 15. At this point they’re the same player and CK has the edge in success early in his career. I think you’d hate Tyrod too.

    1. Taylor at this point although Kap is the more talented of the two. Now that we’ve fired Kelly, I don’t want either.

            1. Yup, hopefully, with Baalke gone, the new coach should be able to roll out Kaep so he can break containment.

              Cousins will re-sign with Washington. Scott McClouhan seems to be a shrewd judge of talent, and will retain him.

            1. Did you read the part from the author where he calls out the hypocrisy of GM’s who hide or sweep under the rug the illegal actions of their star QB’s and other players?

              1. Me too. I think he’s also correct that he’ll get a chance somewhere. How much money would it take to bring Kirk Cousin’s here?

            2. Yeah, DUI, killing dogs, accusations of sexual misconduct, beating women, beating a child, let ’em play.

              Protesting for justice? Blackball him.

              Kaep is playing it smart. He is waiting for the Niners to make the first move. Jed is stupid enough to cut him, so he will feel free to go to another team, probably the Cards with Ariens or Rams with Chip..

              1. I don’t see Arians bring Kap in, he’s already stated he prefers traditional, drop back, pocket passing QB’s like Palmer. And the Rams are going to sink or swim (likely sink) with Goff in 2017. Kaepernick will get a shot somewhere I think, but I’ve had a hard time coming up with a good fit for him.

              2. Ariens also wants to win, and his experiment with a limited QB has not succeeded.

                Ariens also said that Kaep is scary, so he might want a QB that does not haunt him because he switched sides and now plays for him.

              3. Kroenke is going to pull out all the stops because he needs a winning team for his grandiose project. He will drop Goff like a bad habit if some one better comes along, and the Niners beat the Rams twice this last season.

  87. I like Kyle Shanahan the most. A great offensive mind who learned his chops from his pop, who was a great O.C. for the 49ers. Moreover, his daddy will be a great advisor in picking and grooming a good QB. Look at what pop almost did with Washington; he traded picks to draft RGIII, who promptly led his offense to the playoffs and won rookie of the year. In that same draft, he also picked up current franchise QB Kirk Cousins and outstanding RB Alfred Morris. I think Daddy Shanahan is too old now to be our GM, but if we get Jr. perhaps we can use daddy as a draft advisor.

    1. “..but if we get Jr. perhaps we can use daddy as a draft advisor….”

      and a possible return to the BWO .. ?

    1. Damn, guess we now know he’s not a yes man, and probably would kick Jed out of the room again on account he’s not 40 yet….

  88. Aaron Wilson ‏@AaronWilson_NFL 2m2 minutes ago
    Bob McNair on Bill O’Brien ‘I’m not going to fire him’ said reports untrue said already planning to have him back next year

  89. That picture of Caserio is really weird on the top of this thread. Do all his photos look like that?

    1. I’ve thought that each time I’ve seen it. The first time I saw it I didn’t even realize that was him, I thought it was a goofy photo they were going to make fun of.

    2. The dude has crazy eyes, that’s for sure. This is embarrassing. I wonder how many of the interviews are merely out of courtesy?

      1. Report coming out that says Ballard was blocked from interviewing, didn’t turn it down.

        1. Maybe Niners may have better luck with him for their next GM search in 5 years down the road…. We Niners fans are a hopeful bunch…

        2. It’s a shame that KC has the bye because if they were to play this weekend and lose they would no longer be able to block the interview. Guessing the team could wait another week but at this point I’d pull the trigger on Wolf and call Ballard the one that got away.

          1. If Wolf turns them down, they should just wait for KC to lose. Bad idea to settle for Riddick if Ballard comes available. After CFC brought Ballard up, I read up on him and he seems the most qualified candidate for the job.

            1. If Wolf turns them down I’ll be super bummed. However there is a silver lining; York wanted both Ballard(supposedly) and then Wolf, the two best candidates. Gotta be something good in that.

              1. > York wanted both Ballard(supposedly) and then Wolf,
                > the two best candidates.

                Clearly he’s listening to some sound advice. However, I have to wait to see if his immature habit of imposing himself into football situations will cease or not.

            2. Ballard is not even being allowed to be interviewed, so he is not going to be the next GM.

              Sounds like the word on the street is that the Niners are toxic.

      2. All his photos show bulging eyes — a case of exophthalmos… maybe a symptom of hyperthyroidism or could just be larger veins behind the eyes..

    3. I was thinking the same, wilson. It looks like his eyes are held open by toothpicks. Plus he seems not to use shaving cream.

    1. Grant Cohn ‏@grantcohn 19s20 seconds ago
      The 49ers should hire Eliot Wolf right now and let him conduct the rest of the head-coach interviews.
      ——————-
      I concur :)

        1. Grant- any update on the status of Ian Williams? I assume the 49ers intend to re-sign him and bring him back next year, maybe on a 1-year deal………

          I agreed w your roster assessment- I think we have decent talent and will be competitive next year, provided we get a new coach and qb.

          I find it interesting that it was Baalke who botched the Gase-Fangio team, and will give Jed a pass due to that. If nothing else, it should give prospective GM/s some encouragement to know that he did give the GM (Baalke) a lot of latitude, albeit it ultimately was to his detriment.

          I like Riddick’s persona, not sure if he is the best man for the job.

          I would like McDaniels though, and Shanahan 2nd.

          1. Jed promoted Ian Williams to the front office. He’ll be interviewing Tom Cable for HC.

      1. Clap for the Wolf man. In fact, Jed should just offer him the job, get a jump on the HC search.

  90. Would Wolf trade for Garoppolo? Getting Garoppolo is the only reason to hire Riddick over Wolf.

      1. Yep, that’s why I said it’s the only reason. I would prefer Wolf and Shanahan and trading for Garoppolo.

        I don’t think Jed will hire Wolf. I see Riddick as the choice for Jed, not my first choice. I see McDaniels as the choice for Jed, again not my first choice.

        I think whoever the GM is should trade for Garoppolo. Good QBs aren’t available often and we don’t have one.

        1. 80,
          I’m not to keen on McDaniels. His short stint in Denver was not very good.
          Jay Cutler is obviously largely overrated, but McDaniels traded away Cutler for Matt Cassell. Then he chose Tim Tebow with their first pick in the draft. Sure, Tebow had a miraculous playoff win against the Steeler, but he was never going to be an NFL QB.

          IMO, McDaniels is a smaller version of Trent Baalke in that he has not been good at defining talent which resulted in setting the team back instead of forward.
          If Kelly had to carry the weight of his poor tenure in Philly, the same should hold true for McDaniels.
          And let’s not forget that McDaniels is a system coach under the umbrella of arguably one of the best HC and QB of the 21st century.

          My personal favorite for HC is Kyle Shanahan – he is young, energetic, and offensively creative. I’d be ok with Vic Fangio but I doubt he wants to step foot at Levi’s unless it’s to beat the crap out of us.

          1. Keep in mind, McDaniels beat the Steelers with Timmy Tebow at quarterback, in a playoff game no less!

            1. His locker room relations were about as bad in Denver as Mangini’s were in Cleveland. No tears were shed in the Rockies when he was canned.
              Now, if Jed values experience as NFL HC, then by definition he’d be banking on guys who’d previously been fired. So he’d hope that they’d evolved from their experience. It’s a factor.

              1. I think a guy like McDaniels is the antithesis of Chip Kelly. I’ve seen McDaniels adapt to the personnel he had and scheme accordingly by accentuating the strengths and minimizing the weaknesses….

              2. BT, we may have disagreeable disagreements, but in this case, you are right.

                Mcdaniels lost the locker room, something Chip did not do.

            2. I think you’re the first person who ever assigned that win to McDaniels, most seem to think it was Tebow’s career day that had more to do with it. It might have also been the decision by the Steelers to put all 11 defenders no farther then 6 yards off the los on the first play in OT.

              1. The HC and staff did go into the game with a strategy and Tim Tebow. I think they deserve some credit….

              2. If he didn’t follow that game up with a 45-10 blow out by his old boss I might assign more credit to McDaniel’s ‘strategy.’

            3. McDaniels was long gone by that game Razor. Mike McCoy and Adam Gase were behind the Tebow system that season.

              1. McDaniels drafted the Broncos’ starting running back, two starting wide receivers and starting left guard, and he signed their starting left tackle and punter. McDaniels contributed to the Bronco’s Super Bowl in 2014, and I’m pretty sure that I’m not the only one to recognize them. He drafted their starting running back, two starting wide receivers and starting left guard, and he signed their starting left tackle and punter. Here’s a list of McDaniels’ players:

                RB Knowshon Moreno (2009, Round 1, Pick 12): 241 rushing attempts, 1,038 yards, 10 touchdowns, 60 catches, 548 yards, three touchdowns
                DE Robert Ayers (2009, Round 1, Pick 18): 29 tackles, 5.5 sacks, forced fumble
                FS David Bruton (2009, Round 4, Pick 114): 23 tackles
                P Britton Colquitt (2009 free agent): 65 punts, 2,893 yards, 44.5 average, 38.8 net average
                WR Demaryius Thomas (2010, Round 1, Pick 22): 92 catches, 1,430 yards, 14 touchdowns
                OG Zane Beadles (2010, Round 2, Pick 45): 16 starts at left guard
                WR Eric Decker (2010, Round 3, Pick 87): 87 catches, 1,288 yards, 11 touchdowns
                DT Kevin Vickerson (2010, free agent): 22 tackles, sack
                OT Chris Clark (2010, free agent): 14 starts at left tackle
                DT Mitch Unrein (2010, free agent): 20 tackles

              2. That’s great but he was no longer the HC when Denver beat the Steelers in that playoff game.

            4. Razor,
              Yes, he (McDaniels) did beat the Steelers in the playoffs, with Tebow no less (as I mentioned), but except for that one miracle finish Tebow has to be considered a bust as the Bronc’s first selection in the draft. John Elway eventually cleaned up McDaniels mess by getting rid of Tebow and McDaniels not long after.

              I see McDaniels in the same light as a Norv Turner and some regard Mike Nolan – good as asst. coaches but unable to to have success as a HC.
              Again, McDaniels is a system coach in NE working with an Org that has a winning culture. And I believe that Mc was rehired by the Pats by request from Brady. If McDaniels lands a HC gig somewhere this year, I believe that his successor will find just as much success because the culture is set.
              Kyle Shanahan is my choice.

              1. I think it’s worth pointing out that while Tebow was obviously the wrong pick, it says a lot about how much leadership plays a role in McDaniels’ evaluation of the position….

          2. Good points AES. I think McDaniels will learn from his mistakes. I also thought the same about Kelly.

            McDaniels wanted to trade for Cassell, now he wants Garoppolo. I think Garoppolo will be better than Cassell. Garoppolo would run the same offense with McDaniels.

            There is a lot potential negatives with McDaniels, Riddick, and Garoppolo. It’s a tough decision, I wish we had a football guy making it.

            1. 80,
              With Brady just north of 40 yrs old, I don’t see Garoppolo going anywhere soon. He is the heir apparent in NE. Brissett is on the roster but don’t believe Belichick see’s him as taking over for Brady or leapfrogging Garoppolo.

              I actually wanted the 49ers to draft Brissett. I felt that he had the uncanny ability to juke the initial tackle if he had to run, but liked that he had nice accuracy on his passes.

              But I agree 100% with having someone in the FO that could help Jed make these decisions.

    1. Can you imagine how insufferable I would have been if I’d called that one? Although I kinda did… :)

    2. Ya impressive job Coffee on getting right on the guess… I was giving you sh*t on the Toub potential but obviously you know more then I do with these candidates. Should be interesting to see how this turns out.

  91. Niners Nation Retweeted
    James Haren ‏@Six_Dawg 10m10 minutes ago
    i find it funny how the 49ers are interviewing the Seattles OL coach when their OL is so freaking trash @JedYork @NinersNation

    1. Some good ones out there tonight:

      Cam Inman ‏@CamInman 1m1 minute ago
      For all the #Raiders fans sad over playoff exit, it could be worse, much worse (see: #49ers 2-14, no coach, no GM, CEO holding job fair)

  92. Despite that circus catch TD, Richardson has not justified the #45 pick that was used on him. 3 seasons he’s accounted for 600 yards and 2 TD’s. Quinton Patton type numbers.

    1. Well he missed a year so in 2 seasons he’s accounted for 600 yards and 2 TD’s. Still lousy.

      1. But his ceiling looks high enough to justify a second round pick. Always had speed, but now seems to have better anticipation and body control. Could develop into a solid #2 receiver. That would make the Hawks a team with three #2 receivers but with Wilson’s scrambling ability, it would be good enough to have a good passing attack.

      2. His second full season of stats, third season in league his numbers were: 21 rec 288 yards and 1TD. That’s a nice average but still really low production for a 2nd round WR finishing his 2nd full season played. I can’t speak to his ceiling but I thought the kid was the next AJ Jenkins back when he was drafted. He’s certainly out produced him so far but only to the point that he’s the next Quinton Patton instead, who was a 4th round pick like Richardson probably should have been.

    2. C4C

      Seattle had more and better receivers than Richardson…he wasn’t the focal point like Patton unfortunately was…

      1. What’s that say when your 2nd round pick isn’t a focal point of the offense.

          1. Whoa, hold on there. VMac was likely the most targeted receiver and Hyde absolutely was the focus of the offense. Not great examples.

            1. Two guys that probably shouldn’t be focal points due to not being able to stay on the field….

        1. Not worried so to speak, just stating that if people are actively counseling people to stay away it means we’re toxic. I don’t think Mike sounds very interested in coming back. Why would Kyle take us when he could go to the Broncos?

          1. Because he would not have to live up to his Dads past accomplishments in Denver. That’s one reason.
            Second is the opportunity to build something from the ground up in SF, his way and the help of basically his hand picked GM.
            Do you need more reasons 2 tone?

            1. His options are Jaguars, Chargers, Rams, Broncos and 49ers. Seems like if being out of daddy’s shadow is #1 then Jags, Rams or Chargers are the options. Has he said he wants a complete rebuild or is everyone just speculating?

          2. Prime does someone piss in your coffee everyday? Such a pleasant Canadian. For condescension to work you need to be right.

            Wait how many SB’s did Mike win in SF? No coaching legacy here or roots?

            Why work with the Yorks, depleted roster and have a bunch of losing in front of you when? Why would you work with an owner who thinks this is about him and meddles? It’s possible Kyle chooses here to make his mark. My bet is he chooses another place after working with Snyder in DC.

            You could work with some of the best owners in the NFL, Elway and a Roster only needing a RB, OL pieces and a QB from winning more SB’s?

            1. Willy you seem to speculate and assume a lot. Like how great it would be to work with Elway. Like you have any inclination to that situation.
              You read too much bad press. Like how dismal the 49ers situation is. Ever stop to think how gratifying it would be to come in and build this up from the ground and embrace the challenge of it and succeed? That’s what these type A personalities coaches and GM’s strive for. The impossible and make it possible. And don’t forget that they are paid outrageously for it.
              You act like the 49ers situation is in unsalvageable because it would be unheard of to think Jed York has not learnt his lesson. Well, Dan Snyder did, so did Mark Davis, or how about Jeffrey Lurie, or how about Jerry Jones. All of them learnt to get out of the way. Why can’t Jed!

              So yes, I am an angry Canadian when I come on here and have to hear clowns like you and Seb pretend to know the inner workings of the league when really you have no clue and pretend to!
              Assume the worst, that’s loser thinking!

              1. ‘Assume the worst, that’s loser thinking!’

                Just like you do with Kaep. Still leading with your chin, I see.

                Thanks for handing me another whopper to bludgeon you with.

              2. Prime, the Niners are 7-25. They are losers. Why are you blaming Kaep for 9 of the losses he did not even play in during those 2 seasons?

                Prime, you are the biggest loser because you want to get rid of the last QB to lead them to the Super Bowl, and do not have a clue who they would get instead.

                You and Jed are very similar because you get upset easily and devolve into juvenile immature tantrums, and act impulsively with no idea what the consequences are or with no coherent strategy.

              3. Seb Kaepernick is not responsible for all the loses but a fair majority. In the NFL it all begins and ends at the QB position. What has Kap shown in the last 3 season to warrant rebuilding around him?
                You keep flipping the page back to the SB. He lost!
                That’s the only arguement you can muster up. Since then what? Nothing! His best move is the kneel down.
                But this is all noise for you. You are an idiot because you can’t see the forest for the trees. I’ll be here knocking on your door when the 49ers let Kap walk! See how valuable he is. Then like the pathetic Parrot you are, you’ll tell the room how Kap will take the league by storm again!

              4. Prime, quit blubbering, its unseemly. Solely faulting Kaep for all the losses when the defense set new historic records in futility, just shows how little you know and how much you hate one player.

              5. What ever you say Seb. It’s only a matter of time before MY TEAM, will be void of Kap and all your Pom Pom ing will be irrelevant. Enjoy your Sunday!

              6. YOUR team? You really are like Jed. He also claims that it is HIS team, but really, it is Denise’s.

                BTW, the Niners are already irrelevant, and have been since Jed chose a suit over a coach.

              7. Well since you think the team is irrelevant you won’t need to express your ideas on here any longer! Win win for everyone. Enjoy your vacation Frodo!

              8. Prime, you really need to think things through.

                Because I think the Niners are irrelevant, and their 2-14 season proves that, my ideas to help them and improve are needed even more.

                You are the one who should keep his word, because your constant hate and negativity is not needed, or wanted on this site.

                I distinctly remember you declaring that you were leaving, and were never coming back.

                Still have not heard from you and that bet. What are you, a coward, too?

              9. Prime you possibly have the biggest double standard on the blog.

                Elway has a great rep with his players and here in Denver and in the League. Not much speculation there.

                Go read my reply to Steel in the Raiders vs. Texans thread. I said everything you wrote here last night.

                You have no substance so you start name calling every time. Bring some better game next time.

                What has Jed shown that he’ll improve? He’ll either figure it out or relegate the team in irrelevance for decades.

        2. Ha! Full Shanny or Riddick/McDaniels as the only choices. Jed has ruined this franchise and its potential.

  93. Worried all along we’d get stuck with Riddick. The least polished & least experienced. Jed thinks hiring a mouthpiece is going to cover his ass. Also the fact Riddick was on ESPN basically begging for the job. A lot like Kelly did last year. We’ll see, but Razors article seems to have our typical leaks in it that shows Jed’s leanings.

    1. To me, Riddick just screams desperation, and wild illogical reasoning.

      He is the last guy Jed should consider, so of course, he is a lock.;p

    2. My fear is that we hire or get stuck with Riddick and then McDaniels turns him down and we don’t get Garoppolo. We then get stuck with Patricia as HC.

      1. I would be jumping for joy if the Niners got Patricia. He has a brilliant mind.

        However, he is too smart to want to work for Jed.

  94. Jed should give respect to Holmgren by giving him an interview.

    But first he should ditch Paraag, or Holmgren would not show.

    1. I wonder if Holmgren still talks to the elder Wolf. I wonder if Kelly talked to any NE people. I wonder if Baalke talked to any NE people. Who told Caserio to steer clear?

          1. Prime, I was not the one crowing while they had a 13 game losing streak, but you were giddy with delight that Kaep was losing. Then when Kaep won that game, you hated on him even more.

            Go ahead, find joy in Jed being humiliated some more.
            I wanted him to do the right thing and keep his word, so he does not drag the Niners from the gutter into the cesspool.

            Someday, Jed will grow up and start behaving with class. As long as he brings Wormtongue along with him, he deserves every rebuke he gets.

            Go ahead, kiss Jed’s ass some more, I expect nothing less from you.

            1. I will continue to support Jed York because he is not going anywhere. I will criticize his decisions but at the end of the day he is the owner and real 49ers fans have to live with him being in charge. I think he will get it right this time.
              If you don’t believe him, go support another team. It’s that simple!
              As for not supporting Kap. Absolutely not. He is expendable. Has not show the dedication to the team or his profession as shown by his play not improving. In all the games he played, same old limitations.
              Instead he would rather try to solve world problems than study a play book or work on his mechanics!
              So yes, I want him gone and he is irrelevant now as the team should move on from his limitations as a QB.
              Fortunately there is a solution better than Colon Kaepernick and York not so much. Deal with it!

              1. ‘I think he will get it right this time’

                Really, Prime, you should be a comedian. I got a good laugh out of that one.

                That statement sets in concrete the fact that you have absolutely no football knowledge, or even common sense.

                ‘Support Jed or you cannot be a Niner fan’. Wrong. I was a fan while Jed was in diapers, and just because he still wears them, does not inspire me to kiss his ass like you are doing.

                I knew all along that you were a Baalke shill. Now you are toadying up to the Jedster.

  95. Jed and the other guy are running around interviewing everyone in sight, and getting turn downs, which is telling. Don’t forget who’s still at 4949. Here’s the announcement “After interviewing a comprehensive list of the league’s best talent, I have determined that the absolute best candidate is Tom Gamble, and fortuitously he is already here. Please welcome Tom”

    Yes, it is possible….this would be classic Jed. He can control Gamble, and that is a priority for our SonofanOwner

    1. Outside of the top 2 guys on this list (from NFL.com), the others don’t move the needle for me. I’m not sure if Jed/Paraag will be able to land either Shanahan or McDaniels.

      One name that’s not being considered is Chris Petersen, HC Washington Huskies. I think he’ll make a solid NFL coach.

      Kyle Shanahan, Falcons OC
      Josh McDaniels, Patriots OC
      Anthony Lynn, Bills interim HC
      Harold Goodwin, Cardinals OC
      Vance Joseph, Dolphins DC
      Matt Patricia, Patriots DC
      Dave Toub, Chiefs special teams coach
      Sean McDermott, Panthers DC
      Sean McVay, Redskins OC
      Teryl Austin, Lions DC
      Mike Smith, Buccaneers DC
      Steve Wilks, Panthers secondary coach
      Tom Coughlin, former Giants/Jaguars coach
      Doug Marrone, Jaguars interim HC
      Tom Cable, Seahawks OL coach
      Kris Richard, Seahawks DC

      1. Seb and I both have expressed admiration for Petersen and think he will someday be a coach at the NFL level….

        1. Yep, Chris Peterson has built up downtrodden programs in Boise St and Washington. He also seems to have a good defensive scheme. I like his organizational skills.

          With the word out, Jed and the Niners will be treated like lepers. Competent NFL execs will avoid the Niners like the plague. Only the con men and sycophants will want to come here.

          1. So when we make a significant hire, you gonna eat all your crow or keep differing that a storm will eventually come like you did with Kap? Keep postponing. That’s your go to argument every time!

            1. With Riddick and RayeIII, the Niners are scraping the bottom of the barrel. Since you want to bet me, I bet you a thousand dollars that McDaniels does not become the 49er head coach. He will have talked to Caserio.

          2. Ya know, Seb, I’ve been rethinking my belief that no quality GM candidate would like to come here. There are two things that could attract such a person:

            1. A pile of guaranteed money. The Weasel (York) would have to pay above market, maybe way above.

            2. Job stability. How long did The Weasel put up with The Virus (Baalke)? He gave him six years, which included firing the teams most successful HC in many years instead of the GM.

            1. George, I beg to differ. Baalke rode on the coat tails of JH’s 3 NFCC Games and a SB appearance. The new GM will not have that luxury, and will be on a short leash like the 3 HCs.

              Spend money? Jed himself said he did not want to spend money, just to spend money. I counter with telling him he should spend money to try and win, but Jed is an expert in winning with CLASS, and ignores me.

              Sorry, but the word is out, and Jed will be further humiliated and treated with scorn.

              No competent GM candidate will want to come here and destroy his career. Why? Because people like Ballard and Caserio are smart.

        2. Razor,
          I agree. Petersen gets the most out of his players, runs a pro-style offense, knows how to build a coaching staff, and has head coaching experience – unlike most of the names on the list above.

      2. Petersen or Shaw would be good, but perhaps would not feel great about 9er ownership (how could that ever be…). Here’s an option to light up this board…Charley Strong.

        1. I think Shaw called his friend and mentor JH. That may have been a factor in Shaw dumping his internet connections and destroying his phone.

          Charley Strong? And the call ME delusional…..

        2. I have a source on the Huskies. He’s a Booster Alumnus. He’s wrong 60% of the time, so take with a grain of salt. He says Peterson would like to graduate his first two recruiting classes before moving on. Idk.
          I have a similar source at Stanford. The only thing he ever got right was Harbaugh, Roman, and Fangio to Niners.

  96. This has probably been talked about before but there are so many posts I didn’t see anything. Has York mentioned a timeline for hiring the GM? Seems like you would want to get him in place asap. I agreed with Grant when he wanted to ditch baalke during the bye week.

    1. “….take our time…..get it right…..Due diligence…blah, blah, blah, blah….”
      Refer to the last two years

  97. According to Adam Schefter, Jed and Paraag are interviewing Trent Kirchner and Scott Fitterer on 1/16… With that these hires could certainly take a while so here’s hoping they nail this. Gonna be a long week!

      1. Yet one seems to know what he’s doing up in the NW; the other is currently unemployed…. Must make for great family time.

  98. Let’s watch Denver’s future coach get the score run up on him by the Steeler’s.

  99. Politically, the only safe hires for our extremely insecure (as he should be) SOO is Shaw or Saban. They both will need a curve and that takes time. Jed has already punched out 3 in arow, can you see him having patience for anyone outside of rockstars Shaw/Saban? Jed is in a big bad place. right now perception-wise. His ego snd insecuriy will drive his decisions, not football priorities.

      1. He specializes in the pro set, can attract good talent and is a winner. Jed has found his man.

    1. If you think his defense is bad at Cal, how horrible do you think it will be with the Niners? Also, where is he going to find not only an offense that works in the NFL but also a QB? His offensive style of play would be a repeat of a Chip Kelly system failure!!!!!

    2. Hmm, someone has leaked the news of Dykes impending firing. Who benefits from Chip Kelly being hired by Cal? The NIners (less dead money to pay). Where did Marathe go to school? Cal. I now see who’s probably responsible for the leak…

  100. Man, watching these playoff games you can plainly see what’s needed to compete for a championship. Whoever inherits the Niners has so much work to do. Daunting long term project.

  101. Let the name of Kaepernick be stricken from every book and tablet, stricken from all pylons and obelisks, stricken from every monument of San Francisco. Let the name of Kaepernick be unheard and unspoken, erased from the memory of 49ers fans for all time….

    1. Sadly two particular people will continue to bring him up long after he leaves. Can you make it so Razor? He who shall not be named.

        1. It’s not hate. Why you Americans get so sensitive? He sucks as a QB. How is that hate?

          1. It’s not hate.

            Denial by Canadians has to be addressed at some point.

            He sucks as a QB.

            He’s one of many.

  102. 1 I am real happy I don’t live in Pittsburgh, it looks so cold.
    2 Niners need a real good GM to improve the talent. Is any excellent GM going to come to the Niners? I guess we will set in the next couple of weeks
    3 I’m also glad I don’t live in Green Bay.

    1. I met a couple from Pittsburgh once and they mentioned that they only get about 100 days a year of sunshine. Hard for a Californian to process, even one like me who grew up in New England.

    1. Just about anyone should be impressive when compared to Baalke. I’d be fine with these guys but I think Riddick is their choice.

    1. C4C,
      Agree. The GB, NYG game will likely be the best game of the weekend. Saw somewhere that Eli has beat Rodgers and Brady twice in big games – not bad.

  103. I like Riddick because atleast he acknowledges the roster needs a major overhaul unlike Baalke the delusional twit that once said “We’re not rebuilding we’re reloading” LOL Good riddance you d**b f**k!

    We need a GM that wants to infuse talent into this roster not be satisfied and content with the current players. I want Riddick!

    1. I’d take Riddick as well. Very intelligent and connected in the league. Now can he hire the right coach? If so, hire him!

  104. If the Packers lose this game will McCarthy be brought back? He’s a guy who cannot get over the hump. This is a big game for him career wise!

    1. Prime,
      Good call on McCarthy. During the teams early slump this season there were some whispers about McCarthy’ job security.

      As it stands now, if McCarthy can get the Pack deep into the playoffs all the early negative talk about him will disappear.

      1. He reminds me of Marv Lewis. Always good enough to get there, but never enough in the playoffs. Tony Dungy was the same way.

      1. Me too but you have to be intrigued with Riddick too the way he acknowledges the roster needs to be upgraded. We can’t go into next season with the same roster or we’ll be flying more banners again

          1. Big deal. Even I will say they need to make major upgrades. That is a no brainer. ANY 2-14 team needs major upgrades.

            Watch that recent interview. Riddick is brown nosing like crazy.

            The last thing in the world Jed needs is another Kiss ass, so of course, he is a lock.

            I gotta laugh. Everyone is studiously avoiding the reason Caserio refused to interview, as if ignoring the problem will make it will go away.

            So Jed will go dumpster diving and select a talking head who was not good enough to stay in the league so he went the media route. Just expect more losing.

            Wolf, McVay, McDaniels, Ballard and Shanahan are way too smart to want to work for Jed. They are just going through the motions to pad their resume, or leveraging other teams. Word on the street is not good.

            Jed wants a different culture, but his slime mold culture may include Cable. Riddick is scraping the bottom of the barrel, but may be the only one who wants the job.

            1. You should just be quiet. You don’t know what you are talking about. Don’t ruin the thread.

              1. I know enough to say that the word on the street is that the Niners are toxic, so good candidates will not go there, but sycophants and con men will flock to kiss Jed’s ass.

                You think Jed will get it right this time. After all what has happened, I think you need psychiatric help. Clear signs of delusion and hallucinations.

            2. Seb you dummy, Caseiro has turned down multiple interviews with many teams over the past 3 years! It’s not because of Jed moron!

              1. Caseiro has turned down multiple interviews over the years so this has nothing to do with York.

              2. Keep saying that until you think it may be the truth. It has everything to do with Jed, but continue to kisses Jeddy’s behind, it makes you look SO smart.

        1. and I remind you each time that you’re wrong. Riddick doesn’t have the following that you continue to claim that he does nor does he have a resume worth considering when you compare him with the other candidates that have at least been working in the NFL for the past 3 years.

          1. Riddick to me is a consolation prize that you end up selling because you didn’t really want it….

            1. To me Wolf is a name and has notoriety because of his Dad. How much of what the Pack has done is because of him or Ted T? Caseiro to. Is that Bill or him?
              Riddick does not have the body of work or names he’s worked with to back him up, but listening to him, he knows what he is talking about.

              1. Wolf would be my second choice the only thing that scares me about him is the Packers rather hire John Dorsey then him? Kinda of strange to me if he’s supposed to be a GM in waiting?

          2. Riddick is experienced. Player and has worked in the league. I don’t know him but listening to him, he sure knows what the NFL is all about.

          3. The reality of the situation is that you nor I know what any of these GM candidates are capable of doing once there in that position. Everyone wants Wolf but the Packers really don’t. That’s a telling sign… He is too young. Also from my understanding is very timid. He won’t stand up to Jed. Riddick has a strong voice.. You here him talk and you quickly understand that he is very well prepared… He has a noise for talent. He was the first one to say that Carr coming out of Fresno State was a Franchise QB.., People laughed at him.. This guy gets it.

            1. I agree with Riddick and his candor. Straight forward, articulate and experienced. We have not heard anyone else speak, all word of mouth.
              Riddick looks to be that what you see is what you get.

              1. You haven’t heard anyone else speak because they are all employed by other teams Prime.

              2. I guess that means my opinion is educated then having seen and heard what Riddick is all about from him live!
                Instead people see Wolf and think he must be exactly like his Dad.

            2. RAW,

              What in the world are you talking about? The Packers don’t want Wolf? They’ve promoted him every time he’s had interest shown in him by another team. They don’t want to lose him and where is this understanding of him being timid coming from?

              Riddick has the least impressive resume of anybody on their list to interview. He’s had two chances as a personnel director and been fired from his last job. He’s now been out of the league for 3 years with no interest shown toward him by any team before now. Are you seriously that impressed because a guy is on TV throwing out obvious opinions about the state of the 9ers?

              This GM hire is the key to the next 5-10 years for the 49ers. The last thing this team should be doing is giving that responsibility to a guy who has not been considered worthy of a GM job before.

              1. Packers are interested getting Dorsey from KC instead of Wolf.. That’s why Wolf is interviewing with SF… There were coaching changes in Philly he stepped away. He didn’t get fired. Riddick is very well respected…

              2. It’s speculation on who might replace Ted Thompson if he retires RAW and it’s based on what options they may have if Wolf were to leave. It has nothing to do with how they feel about Wolf. They’ve already shown how they feel by promoting the guy every time another team inquires about him. Where does the timid stuff come from? I’d like to read that.

                As far as Riddick goes, his contract was not renewed. In other words he was fired. He is a talking head on TV. If he were highly respected he’d be working for a team somewhere. He’s never held a GM position and hasn’t even worked as a Scout for 3 years. How in your mind does that make him a great candidate for this job?

              3. The way I heard it was the Packers have the ability to block the interview with the 49ers as so long as the Packers are still in the playoffs which they are and now rumors that John Dorsey would be there choice instead of Wolf is a little strange to me

              4. What made Elway a great GM candidate? Riddick has been a scout since 2001.. Also climbed up whatever organization he joined.. He has been out of football for 3 years so what?! He took a job with ESPN probably for a lot more money. All I know is that everyone who has ever been around him talk great about the guy.. He is very well connected in the NFL.. Bill Polian amongst many others love him… All I know is right now we don’t know what any of these candidates will do when in a GM position. First couple years Balke was executive of the year. After that he helped ruin the Niners. It’s a difference in opinion right now.

              5. RAW,

                Nothing made Elway a great GM candidate. He got the job because of a relationship with Pat Bowlen that spanned 30 years. Elway didn’t get it because he earned it working his way up the ladder. I’m guessing he leans on his Personnel staff quite a bit and is a smart guy when it comes to common sense decision making.

                I’m not telling you you’re wrong. I’m wondering what it is about Riddick’s history that convinces you that he would be a good candidate? I like to make decisions based on information and a body of evidence. When I look at Louis Riddick I see two short runs as a personnel director the first of which featured some pretty bad drafts in Washington during his 3 years and the second coincided with Andy Reid getting fired and two absolutely awful drafts in his first two years as Personnel director. Now, he didn’t make the picks, but it was the information he gathered from the scouting staff and input that played a vital role in the players that wound up on those teams.

                The next thing I look at is what is he doing now and how does that prepare him for taking over a team that is in disarray and needing a complete overhaul? Working at ESPN and talking about what other teams need to do does not impress me. He is essentially getting paid to do what we do on here. He’s not employed by an NFL team and to me that is a red flag. If he were truly respected and thought highly of, he would be in the league. He not only hasn’t been employed in the NFL, but there hasn’t been any indication he has even been considered before now.

                The first thing that pops into my mind when I here Riddick is a serious contender for this job, is Jed York watching him on TV and thinking “hey this guy knows his stuff.” That is Jed in a nutshell. He has no understanding of how hard it is to find good people who can mine talent and is easily swayed by some guy speaking his mind on ESPN, much like he was by Tomsula and believing anybody could have success coaching the 49ers. That is why I have little confidence he will find the right people. If the guy making the decision doesn’t have a clue, then finding the right candidate becomes a total shot in the dark. Hiring Riddick would be a shot in the dark. It might work out and it might not, but it would show that Jed went off the grid and hired somebody who didn’t have the best resume, much like he did with Baalke and Tomsula.

                Again not saying I’m right, and I don’t know any of these candidates, but if the 49ers are hiring somebody to turn the franchise around, I would think hiring somebody within the league who has a record of success with a good organization would make more sense than somebody from the world wide leader who can sit back and cherry pick in 2 minute segments.

              6. Rocket, you nailed it when you said you don’t know how good any of these candidates really are. None of us do. Which is why I am a bit surprised there are some on here (not you) that appear to be so strongly for or against certain options.

                I would prefer Ballard, Wolf, Gutekunst, Paton, Caserio, Beane or Raye III to Riddick. As you mention, each of these guys are currently part of NFL organisations, and each organisation has had some measure of success in recent years (though some definitely more than others).

                My preference would be to go with a guy that comes from one of the most consistently successful organisations, so Caserio, Ballard, Wolf and Gutekunst are the guys I’d most prefer. And only two of those is interviewing that we know about. But who really knows if any of them will be any good? Or better than Riddick?

              7. What’s intriguing about Riddick is his analysis on the game and the league in general. The camera does not make him intelligent, he speaks well and with great insight. He also has worked in the league.
                These others guys like Wolf, Caseiro, Ballard have phenomenal supporting casts. So what makes them better candidates than Riddick?
                The point is we don’t know who will be better. But what we do know from what we see, is that Riddick knows the game and the NFL based on being on ESPN. If you’ve ever watched him speak, you’d have to admit he knows what he is talking about.
                If Steve Young should be President like many have suggested, then I’m guessing it’s because of his commentary on TV. Same deal here.

              8. Rocket, you nailed it, and I would go one step further. I think you, Scooter, Razor, CFC and Old Coach would all make just as good a GM candidates as Riddick.

                Researching some of his posts and we find him talking up Johnny Manziel to Philly in the first, and mentioned that Justin Gilbert would cover you all day. He also had Conner Cook in the first to Arizona.

                Being a talking head is easy compared to being in the league, and who knows if he is writing all his material or is being handed scripts.

                To me, Riddick disqualified himself by begging on TV for the job. No competent GM would stoop to that level to get a job, and he sounded wheedling and desperate, 2 traits I abhor in any manager at any level.

              9. “talking up Johnny Manziel to Philly in the first”, “Justin Gilbert would cover you all day.”

                Riddick has actually beeb very critical of both Manziel and Gilbert.

                With Manziel to the Eagles, he wasn’t suggesting he liked Manziel, he was reporting what he had been hearing about who the Eagles liked.

                On Gilbert, he said he could cover 8 and 9 routes all day, but had poor movement skills and technique to cover other routes. He was 100% correct.

              10. And regarding the Manziel to Philly rumour, the belief Chip liked Manziel remained at the start of this season, as people were suggesting the 49ers might look to bring Manziel in once Kelly was hired. There was probably some truth to the rumour they wanted him, and the Browns taking him at #22 is probably partly the reason why the Eagles ended up reaching for Marcus Smith.

              11. He was using his Eagles contacts to scoop a blockbuster deal, but it proved false.

                He also did become very critical of Manziel, but that was because Manziel was blowing up his career, so it was an easy call.

                That tweet about Very very very important position changes must mean he wants to jettison Kaep, so I am totally opposed to him because he is giving up and does not even want to try to use Kaep, without thinking through the ramifications.

              12. And the truth comes out. Only reason you don’t like Riddick is because you believe he intends to move on from Kaep. SMH.

              13. No, Scooter, I was down on him way before I read what Cubus posted. I did not like him boot licking in that interview. I thought that he was a lower level candidate, especially compared to Ballard, Caserio, Wolf and Pioli.

                However, how many very very very important positions are there on a football team? I am just reading between the lines, but other than that, I have not read any critical things he had said about Kaep except something he said in 2014 when Kaep was playing for JH

                Grant does not have a very favorable opinion of him, either, and I am sick of DJs coaching, so talking heads are just the same thing to me.

      2. Brodie,
        I would love to see Wolf and McVay and I could live with Riddick and McVay but McDaniels scares the hell out of me. I just don’t think the miserable failure of the Belichick coaching tree is just coincidence.

        1. OC,

          Nick Saban came off the Belichick coaching tree too. You can’t paint different people with the same brush simply because others haven’t worked out previously. McDaniels is 40, got his first shot in his mid 30’s and only had the job for less than two years. He’s arguably the best OC in the NFL and would be coming into his second HC opportunity with a lot more experience and lessons learned from the first go around. Nothing is guaranteed, but this guy will get another shot and he should.

          1. rocket,
            I believe that many here shared the same sentiments about Kelly’ hire. The negative shade that shadowed his last year in Philly would be a lesson learned for Kelly and forgotten in 49er-country.
            Wrong!

            But if we could give Kelly a second chance why not do the same for McDaniels (I guess).

          2. Rocket,
            You are making my argument for me. Saban was a miserable failure as a HC in the NFL. Left with his tail between his legs never to return.

            1. I think describing a two year run as a miserable failure is a bit extreme. He had a 9 win season followed by a 6 win season and then took a job at Alabama where he proceeded to become one of the all time winningest Coaches in history. Who knows how things would have turned out if he had committed to the NFL for a longer period of time, but I can’t see how anyone could deny this guy is a great football Coach.

  105. Rodgers TD pass to Adams just solidifies why your QB has to be able to play from the pocket. If he rolls out there, the play is dead! Instead the WR’s keep working and he still has the whole field as an option. Great play!

    1. Notice how the consistently great QBs clearly exhibit leadership on the field–they know the playbook, they direct, they have force of will and rare grit. Add that to good physical skills and technique.

      1. Rodgers also had all day to throw, and he had good targets. He also has been playing in that system for years and got most of the first team snaps from OTAs to the playoffs so he could sync up with his receivers.

    1. I’m very high on Riddick.. I think he will be great. With that said I would be happy with the other choices too. All seem like Big Upgrades… More then anything I want Josh Mcdaniels as coach.

      1. Listen to what players said when he left the Broncos. They were not throwing rose petals, it was more like lobbing grenades. Even Chip did not lose the locker room like McDaniels.

        1. That was so many years ago. You don’t think he has learned? Brady, called McDaniels the best in the NFL. Unlike Kap, people get better as they age! You show up and bring junk to the blog! Grant should ban you for stupidity!

          1. That is why he has never had another HC job.

            Your hate for Kaep is what is so disturbing, and brings down the discourse on this site.You are another one of those name callers, who amply displays their lack of character because you do not know better.

            1. Just be quiet Seb. You are irrelevant and so are your posts. The room just tolerates you and it’s a joke! I don’t!

              1. You really are a FO shill to want to try and silence me. Glad you admit you are intolerant.

                Remember, a storm is coming.

              2. Storms are always coming and going…our sun will go supernova at some point too…

  106. My prediction is Wolf will be named GM and McVay the new coach.

    1. I would take that… Don’t see that happening though.. Two young guys like that.. Doubt it.

    2. Wolf would be interesting. But I disagree on coach. I’d take Shannahan and J MC over him. Just my preference

      1. I actually wasn’t stating my preference, just who I think Dork will choose.

    3. I’d be ok with this. However, I would want them to be similar to Steve Kerr in bringing in some very experienced personnel to help guide them and thus limit any growing pains.

    1. I think the name of the website tells us all we need to know about how this person feels.

    2. McDaniels traded up for TEBOW. That is a huge red flag, to me. He also traded Cutler for Orton, and dumped Brandon Marshall. Not impressive at all.

    1. Yeah it’s crazy how quickly things got away from the Giants. They dominated the first half but gave up a hail mary at the end of the half. Then they get it to a one point game and the defense falls apart. Every game this weekend turned out to be a dud.

  107. Grant:
    “Grant’s analysis: Beane comes from the front office that let the heart of its team, CB Josh Norman, leave during free agency even though the Panthers had more than enough cap space to re-sign him, and then tried to replace Norman with some no-name second-round draft pick. This extremely arrogant move didn’t work, and the Panthers went 6-10 this season. Beane would be Trent Baalke 2.0.”

    Beane will be the last man standing. The fact they’re even interviewing him is already a sign of a very dysfunctional job search. He will get the job…

  108. Matt Maiocco ‏@MaioccoCSN 9h9 hours ago

    GM candidate Louis Riddick: The #49ers need a “massive overhaul” at “very, very, very important positions.”

  109. Tom Clements as coach!
    Tom Clements as coach!
    Tom Clements as coach!
    Tom Clements as coach!
    Tom Clements as coach! = Bill Walsh I know YA’LL don’t Know, the real niners fans “old school”

  110. cut the sh_t, QB coach-Bill QB coach-Clements
    OC Bill OC- Clement
    Offensive minded Bill Offensive minded- Clements

    Right Guy-Tom Clements as coach!

  111. Jed’s list is getting thinner. Don’t forget lotta competition out there. A top tier candidate is going to say Hmmmm, go with Jed or John Freakin Elway? Wait til offers start getting made, and Jed starts getting turn downs. Remember the Tomsula coordinator merry go round? This tire fire is just starting to smoke…

  112. Interesting to note.
    There are 6 candidates that have consistently turned down interviews over the years according to Dan Hatman. They are Decosta, Elliot Wolf, Nick Caserio, George Paton, Will McClay and I forget the last one.
    What is interesting, is that 2 of these candidates have agreed to interview with the niners, while they normally turn down outside interviews. Additionally, he stated, many turn down GM roles because if one fails there, they likely will never get another opportunity and may end up being buried as a scout afterwards. So the role is not like Head coaches that will often get a few shots before being deemed as a failure.
    Take from it what you will.

    1. Has been with the team since Freshman year but couldn’t beat out Marquise Williams who became an undrafted free agent that hasn’t stuck with a team. Makes me nervous when players can’t beat out guys who fail in the league.

      1. A number of things go into that. The first thing is Williams was already a two year starter by the time Trubisky arrived. He also stayed through his Sr. year which didn’t work out for Trubisky because there aren’t many Coaches who are going to bench a Sr. QB who has started for 3 years. The important point is it’s a different brand of football at the College level. A QB who can run for a lot of yards is valued highly in the College game and Williams was a really good running QB.

        There are reasons to question Trubisky, his lack of starts being the biggest for me. but I wouldn’t get too caught up in why he didn’t start before this year.

  113. The writing was on the wall about Caserio.

    I wrote in the morning of 1/6/17 6.28 a.m. :

    What you forget is that Chip Kelly is good friends with Bellichick. Kelly will be interviewed about how SF FO operates. After that interview, the options out of NE will dissolve. Any viable options will dissolve.

    No one with any sort of option will take this job. That is the result of the ownership and their history. That as Jed has said, is not changing. Roll out the carpet for Cable. That is about all SF can hope to take this job.

    1. I also wrote previously, that any candidate will perform due diligence, since they are smart and competent. They will pick up the phone and call not only Chip, but JH and Tomsula.

      Wonder what those 3 will have said.

      You shall reap what you sow.

      Lots of pompinstance over there.

      I was promised 3 years…….

  114. Well, we are halfway through the interviews, and the leaks continue.

    So far, Jed is impressed with the candidates. Guess that is because they did not throw out a mens only remark, and they refrained from openly mocking him by telling the truth, just to watch Jed squirm and grovel.

    If they had told the truth, they would have said that they heard that the Niners are a dysfunctional dumpster fire, and it is so toxic, that everyone told them to steer clear. They will pad their resume with an interview and use Jed to leverage other teams.

    In the end, after further rejection and humiliations, Jed will be forced to promote Gamble, who will decide to hire Chip, because he knows that Chip is competent enough to have good locker room dynamics, and now that Baalke is gone, there will only be men in the room.

    If Jed hires Riddick, he will be brown nosed, keep losing, then he will be subject to every excuse in the book why it was not Riddicks’ fault, even though Riddick was stupid enough to get rid of their best QB option just to blow things up, with no clue how to fix things or thinking through the ramifications. With Kaep gone, they will be forced to select Watson in the first, and miss out on obtaining a blue chip defender.

  115. Grant, could you start a new thread? I’m on a phone, and I don’t want to scroll 900 plus posts to see new material

  116. Matt Barrows Verified account 
    ‏@mattbarrows
    Grant’ts GM Outlook here is spot on. We’ve seen this coaching caravan circus before.

    Think back, Fans. The 49er’s coaching/GM search is really a gargantuan coaching-leverage fest, where good coaches leverage the 49ers for a larger contract, before leaving them the bottom of the barrel leftovers–the Jimmy Raye III and Jim Hostlers for OC.

    The football meeting sit-ins by Paraag, where he has no business being involved says it all. The suits have made it clear they are in charge and spare no expense in shows of strength to demonstate to coaches who holds power . That wine sipping tour through 49er locker rooms with Jed’s Silicon Valley entourage after a tough loss in addition to parking in Jim Harbaughs parking place; Paraage given the coaching job of flag challenger for a season in the coaching sky box poisoned the NFL coaching fraternity well. All they need do is call text Jim Harbaugh for the full story of him being reprimanded for pulling his team from the Levis Stadium turf as unsafe, then he was reprimanded by Jed and Paraag, because Silicon Valley billionaires were wine sipping in that maiden practice–an embarrassment to Jed.

    Now the Mayor of Santa Clara is suing the 49ers for copies of the field maintenance records because they discovered the 49ers aren’t paying their share of the field maintenance bill–the taxpayers are. The 49ers will not give up the records to date.

    Per source, #49ers will interview Colts VP of football operations Jimmy Raye III for their GM opening. He’s the son of former 49ers OC.

    Grant’s analysis: This is a joke, right? This guy shouldn’t even be on Jed York’s radar. The 49ers are the only team with an opening at GM — they should be able to hire the best candidate available. If they hire someone like Raye III, that just shows that quality front office people don’t want to work for York.

  117. After York wraps up this pointless interview with Riddick there will be four left:

    (from MM’s page)
    Thursday, Jan. 12
    Miami defensive coordinator Vance Joseph (coach)

    Sunday, Jan. 15
    Seattle offensive line/assistant head coach Tom Cable (coach)

    Monday, Jan. 16
    Seattle co-director of player personnel Scott Fitterer (GM)
    Seattle co-director of player personnel Trent Kirchner (GM)

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