San Francisco 49ers executives Jed York and Paraag Marathe arrived in Atlanta on Friday and were expected to meet Friday afternoon with Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan for a second time, a source told CSNBayArea.com.
Shanahan is the only candidate for the 49ers’ vacant head-coaching position, and all indications are he plans to accept the team’s offer to fill the position after Super Bowl 51. Shanahan originally interviewed with the 49ers on Jan. 6.
The 49ers must wait to make the hiring official until after the Falcons’ season is over. Atlanta, the champion of the NFC, faces the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl on Feb. 5 in Houston.
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The 49ers worked with the Falcons’ front office to come up with a plan that does not infringe of their preparations to face the Patriots. Shanahan devoted the first part of the week to game-planning to face New England.
Coach Dan Quinn gave his staff and players a day off on Saturday before traveling to Houston on Sunday. After Shanahan wrapped up his work day on Friday, he was free to meet with York, the 49ers’ CEO, and Marathe, who serves as chief strategy officer and executive vice president of football operations.
The 49ers, along with Shanahan, could also meet with general manager candidate George Paton on Friday evening. On Saturday, the 49ers are scheduled to meet with Terry McDonough.
McDonough is Arizona’s vice president of player personnel. Paton, who is also one of six individuals to interview for the Indianapolis Colts’ GM job, is Minnesota’s assistant general manager.
San Francisco 49ers
After announcing the firings of coach Chip Kelly and general manager Trent Baalke, York said he wanted to match a coach and general manager who will work well together. The 49ers finished 2-14 this season, including a franchise-worst 13-game losing streak.