This is important to the 49ers because there was some overlap in interest between Indianapolis' general manager search and San Francisco's – most notably, Minnesota Vikings assistant general manager George Paton, who interviewed with the Colts this past week. Paton is considered to be the frontrunner for the 49ers job and met again with the team and Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, who is likely to be named the head coach following the Super Bowl, on Friday night and again on Saturday. The 49ers and Shanahan also met with Arizona Cardinals vice president of player personnel Terry McDonough on Saturday.
Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Mark Dominik's name has also emerged as a possible third longshot candidate for the 49ers' general manager job. The team has only had discussions about Dominik and have not yet met with him, per Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area. If the 49ers were interested in meeting with Dominik, it would likely be early this week. Maiocco reports that the 49ers hope to make a decision on the general manager opening during that timeframe with a candidate being hired by the middle of the week.
The 49ers did show interest in Ballard early in the search, but the Chiefs blocked the interview request. It was also assumed that Ballard had no interest in the opening in San Francisco. The Colts job offers more weapons on the roster, including at the quarterback position where the starter is Andrew Luck. Albert Breer of TheMMQ also reported that Ballard preferred to go to a smaller market and stay in the Midwest.
Prior to the hiring of Ballard, the Colts publicly committed to head coach Chuck Pagano for at least another year. Ballard is reportedly sticking to that plan and will work with Pagano in 2017.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Isaac Guerendo to miss 49ers' only full practice ahead of Rams game
The San Francisco 49ers will hold their lone full practice of a shortened week on Tuesday evening as they prepare for Thursday night's pivotal NFC West clash against the Los Angeles Rams. However, the team will be without one of its emerging offensive contributors. Head coach... -
49ers vs. Rams injury report: Guerendo, Bosa, Williams miss only Week 15 practice
The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for their Week 15 contest against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The 49ers were without several key players during Tuesday's practice, the team's only full session of the week. Defensive end... -
Nick Sorensen, Chris Foerster preview 49ers-Bears Week 14 matchup
San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen and offensive line/run game coordinator Chris Foerster spoke to reporters after Thursday's practice as the team prepares for its Week 14 matchup against the Chicago Bears. Here's everything they said. Transcripts provided... -
49ers open safety Talanoa Hufanga's practice window
The San Francisco 49ers announced they have opened safety Talanoa Hufanga's practice window, giving the team 21 days to activate him from injured reserve. The 49ers today announced they have opened the practice window for S Talanoa Hufanga (Injured Reserve List)....