It appears Jon Gruden isn’t the only former coach itching to get back in the NFL.
Former Oakland Raiders (when they were in Los Angeles), Denver Broncos and Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan is “strongly back in the mix” to become the new San Francisco 49ers’ lead man, sources told ESPN’s Diana Marie Russini. And it appears an announcement could come soon, as sources told Russini that Shanahan and the 49ers “are closing in on a decision.” NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport also reported that Shanahan “has reentered the picture” in San Francisco.
Shanahan is no stranger to the 49ers, as he was the team’s offensive coordinator from 1992 to 1994, in between his stints with the Raiders and Broncos. That connection to the organization and his ability to discipline are two reasons why the 49ers are interested in Shanahan, a team source told Bleacher Report’s Jason Cole.
Shanahan has enjoyed his fair share of success in the NFL, winning back-to-back Super Bowls with the Broncos. He owns a 170-138 record over 20 combined seasons with the Raiders, Broncos and Redskins. The last time the 63-year-old coached in the NFL was in 2013 with the Redskins. If the side do agree to a deal, Shanahan would be replacing Jim Tomsula, who was fired after one season with the 49ers.
Chip Kelly, Tom Coughlin, Hue Jackson and Dirk Koetter also have interviewed for the 49ers’ coaching vacancy, although Jackson since has joined the Cleveland Browns as their next head coach.
Thumbnail photo via Ron Chenoy/USA TODAY Sports Images
