Riddick is a candidate for the 49ers' general manager opening. He will interview with the team next week in New York. It's very likely that if he were to be offered the position, he would accept.
"What Jed York is setting up Scott [Van Pelt] is a situation where, now, you can really, literally, in every sense of the word, build it from the ground up," Riddick said. "Meaning that there has not been someone that has survived a regime change and there isn't someone who is coming in with a perceived lack of power compared to the person who survived which just breathes mistrust and that's one of the things that really kills this relationship when you have teams that are really falling on hard times anyways. Usually, it's really that breach of trust and inability to work together.
►
Which teams are most appealing to coach? - ESPN Video
"So what [Jed York] has done now and he has already stated is the fact that, look, 'I really want to look ahead and just start over from scratch where you have two people that share philosophical commonalities and actually like working with one another. And then they can go ahead and just really set the direction of this football organization and that's something that coaches are looking for, something that GMs are looking for – an ability to work on the same level as the head coach or the head coach with the GM and really build the thing from the ground up. And that is something that no other situation right now is offering.
"That's not to say that the roster doesn't need a lot of work because it does, but you're starting off with a relationship that gives you the best chance to succeed."
RELATED
Riddick is correct about the roster, which is seen by many as one of the least talented in the NFL. However, the lack of a talented roster does not sound like something that would scare off Riddick. In fact, it sounds like the opposite. Riddick sounds excited to take on such a blank slate like the 49ers.
Riddick went on to identify two offensive coordinators that will be hot names as teams try to fill head coaching vacancies. The first was Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, who will meet with the 49ers on Friday. The second was New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who will meet with the 49ers on Saturday.
Riddick has a good amount of executive experience having served as the director of pro personnel for the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins. He has also served as a scout for both teams.
Riddick's NFL playing days as a safety started when he was drafted by the 49ers in the ninth round of the 1991 NFL Draft. He worked with Trent Baalke during his time in Washington and Chip Kelly in Philadelphia. Riddick became an on-air analyst for ESPN in 2013.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Why Daniel Jeremiah is confident 49ers will lock in Brock Purdy with a deal
NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah joined The Rich Eisen Show on Wednesday to discuss a recent report from Jason La Canfora, which claimed the San Francisco 49ers' opening offer for quarterback Brock Purdy's contract extension was $45 million annually. RELATED: Insider... -
49ers releasing long snapper Taybor Pepper as roster overhaul continues
The San Francisco 49ers' roster overhaul continues with the release of long snapper Taybor Pepper, ending his five-season tenure with the team. This move, confirmed by Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area, is part of the team's offseason adjustments to its roster. Pepper,... -
Mock draft projects Toledo DT Darius Alexander to 49ers
Tom Fornelli of CBS Sports released his latest mock draft, and like many, he has the San Francisco 49ers addressing one of their biggest needs—the defensive line. After a disappointing 6-11 season, the Niners hold the 11th overall pick, and Fornelli has Toledo defensive... -
Should the 49ers pursue recently-released DT Jonathan Allen?
The San Francisco 49ers are in dire need of reinforcements along the defensive line, and a prominent name just hit the market. The Washington Commanders are releasing two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, freeing up an estimated $16.5 million in salary cap...