And then there was one. Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan is now the only remaining candidate for the San Francisco 49ers' head coaching job. The agent of Seattle Seahawks assistant head coach and offensive line coach Tom Cable said today that his client is withdrawing from consideration.
"Just spoke with my client Tom Cable and he is reaffirming his commitment to the Seahawks," said Cable's agent. "He wishes to thank the 49ers for the consideration."
Just spoke with my client Tom Cable and he is reaffirming his commitment to the Seahawks. He wishes to thank the 49ers for the consideration
— Doug Hendrickson (@DHendrickson41) January 17, 2017
On Monday, New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels withdrew his name from consideration. That left just Shanahan and Cable as candidates for the job. Shanahan has been considered the favorite since McDaniels pulled out. Now with Cable out of the running, if he was ever actually in contention, the 49ers job is likely Shanahan's if he wants it.
Adam Schefter of ESPN reported on Tuesday that the 49ers plan to offer the job to Shanahan. However, they cannot officially do so until the Falcons are eliminated from the playoffs. Multiple reports state that the 49ers plan to meet with Shanahan for a second time following the NFC Championship Game. If the Falcons win, it will be to go through general manager candidates with him. If they lose, it will be to extend the job offer to Shanahan.
Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reports that Shanahan is open to meeting with the 49ers next week. That interview can happen because the Falcons will have a week off prior to the Super Bowl, should they beat the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.
Which general manager could be paired with Shanahan? Mike Silver of NFL Media believes Packers director of player personnel Brian Gutekunst is the frontrunner for the job. The second round of interviews with general manager candidates is expected to kick off next week.
If you're handicapping Niners: Shanahan likely top choice. Not certain he accepts. If he does, Gutekunst GM frontrunner. Paton & Wolf next.
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) January 17, 2017
Those other candidates mentioned by Silver are George Paton, the Minnesota Vikings assistant general manager, and Eliot Wolf, the Packers director of football operations.