Fortyniners

Offense

Erickson will meet for a second time with owner John York. His ousting seems likely.

McCarthy cut his teeth under Paul Hackett and is known for developing QBs. He veered away from a traditional West Coast attack because of personel in New Orleans. We’re not sure how San Francisco’s current personel fits the system: Tim Rattay may be an awkward fit.

McCloughan will share general-manager duties with new 49ers coach Mike Nolan, who will have final control over personnel moves, similar to Scott Pioli in New England. He’s the third high ranking person to leave their front office in a month.

The will choose from among the five coordinators they have already interviewed. Tennessee defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz seems to be emerging as a darkhorse candidate.

The 49ers front office has talked recently of keeping the pick, but that still seems unlikely.

The Niners should still strongly consider keeping Mike Martz, but if they decide not to Knapp would be a fine pick. He has history with the franchise and knows the run game extremely well. His West Coast background may also suit Shaun Hill’s short passing better than Martz’s freewheeling style.

Rathman could still have a shot at the Niners’ offensive coordinator post, but the team isn’t rushing into anything. It still hasn’t interviewed any OC candidates, although Scott Linehan will likely be met with at some point.

Rathman was Detroit’s RBs coach in 2004 when Kevin Jones was a rookie Pro Bowler and oversaw 2008’s Justin Fargas-Darren McFadden-Michael Bush rotation. A former 49er fullback, Rathman would make a lot of sense in this position. He played against Samurai Mike when Singletary was a Bear.

The Niners haven’t made who they’re targeting to replace Mike Martz public, but Linehan looks like the early frontrunner. Other than light speculation about Raiders OC Greg Knapp, no other names have been discussed, although Ravens QBs coach Hue Jackson could also emerge here.

“I’m fine and moving forward,” McCloughan said Thursday. The breakup is said to be by mutual agreement due to “longstanding personal issues.” The Niners will make an announcement later today, and director of player personnel Trent Baalke is expected to fill many of the GM duties.