49ers have extensive list of HC options
January, 12, 2015
1:30
PM ET
By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider
The San Francisco 49ers are two weeks into their search to replace former head coach Jim Harbaugh. To date, they have been connected to nearly a dozen potential replacement candidates.
Here is a look at those coaches:
Teryl Austin: The Detroit Lions defensive coordinator has generated quite a bit of buzz for head-coaching vacancies. That includes the Niners' opening. He met with team officials on Jan. 8.
Vic Fangio: The Niners defensive coordinator interviewed for the head-coaching opening on Dec. 30.
Jim Tomsula: It was reported soon after Harbaugh left that the 49ers also were planning to interview their D-line coach for the head-coaching job, though it's not clear when/if they did so.
Adam Gase: The Denver Broncos offensive coordinator is drawing plenty of interest for the second consecutive offseason, but this time he appears more interested in considering a head-coaching gig. He interviewed with the Niners on Jan. 2 and is available to accept a head-coaching gig now that the Broncos have been bounced from the postseason.
Mike Shanahan: The long-time NFL coach met with the 49ers on Jan. 3, though it's not clear at this time what level of interest they may have in each other regarding the head-coaching job.
Kyle Shanahan: Mike's son reportedly is on the Niners radar, though no interview has been set with the Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator at this time.
Josh McDaniels: The New England Patriots offensive coordinator interviewed with the Atlanta Falcons on Jan. 2 and the 49ers on Jan. 3, when the Pats were on their postseason bye. McDaniels can't accept a head-coaching gig until the Pats' playoff run is complete.
Dan Quinn: The Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator is in the mix for all of the current head-coaching vacancies and may be at the top of the list for the Jets and Falcons. He interviewed with the Niners on Dec. 30 but can't accept a gig until the Seahawks' postseason run comes to an end.
Todd Bowles: The Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator met with the Niners on Jan. 9. He is scheduled for second meetings with the Jets and Falcons. No word yet on whether the 49ers will give him a second look.
Gary Kubiak: The Niners were interested in speaking with the Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator, but Kubiak has pulled himself out of the head-coaching market, opting to stick in his current OC role with the Ravens.