From ProFootballTalk:
Make no mistake about it. The Monday decision from [team president Dean Spanos] was his effort to re-assert control over the franchise, and Smith has been part of the problem. He won't be, in our view, part of the solution.
While this is yet another guessing game on the part of ProFootballTalk.com, a site made popular by this type of speculation, it would benefit the 49ers if this were true.
San Francisco offensive coordinator Norv Turner, a candidate for the head coach job in San Diego, has ties with Smith. If Smith were no longer in San Diego or not part of the hiring process, Norv’s chances of being hired would be greatly hurt.
Another benefit would be that this may open the door for someone like USC’s Pete Carroll. Carroll will only return to the NFL if he has most of the control over team decisions concerning players and personnel. The departure of Smith would certainly give Carroll that opportunity. Add to this the fact that the Chargers are rumored (by many sources) to be interested in Carroll. This likely clouds Smith’s future with the organization.
While interesting, please note that this is all based on pure speculation on the part of ProFootballTalk.com.
Update:
NFL Network's Adam Schefter also seems to feel that general manager A.J. Smith's days with San Diego may come to an end after the NFL Draft in April.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers playoff picture: Where San Francisco stands after win over Colts
The San Francisco 49ers extended their winning streak to five games with a 48-27 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Monday night, building momentum as they head into the postseason. San Francisco had already clinched a playoff berth Sunday when the Pittsburgh Steelers... -
49ers in Week 17 power rankings: Where San Francisco stands after big win vs. Colts
The San Francisco 49ers extended their winning streak to five games on Monday night, defeating the Indianapolis Colts 48-27 on the road. With momentum on their side, the 49ers aim to carry that energy into their final two regular-season games and the playoffs. San Francisco... -
49ers vs. Bears: 5 Key Players Who Can Decide San Francisco's Week 17 Clash
Clinching a playoff spot before playing a game must be nice! That's exactly what happened during Week 16, before the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Indianapolis Colts 48-27. The win earned quarterback Brock Purdy NFC Player of the Week honors with a scintillating 295-yard,... -
49ers draft watch: College Football Playoff prospects who could shape San Francisco's future
Now that we know the San Francisco 49ers are in the playoffs, The Faithful are assured of at least two more games. We will tune in wearing our game gear at least into the second week of January. The other football being played at that time, though, is the College Football...