Josh McDaniels agrees to interview with 49ers for head coach position

The San Francisco 49ers will interview Josh McDaniels for their head coaching vacancy later this week, according to Jason LaCanfora. The 49ers asked permission yesterday, and the 49ers will need to travel to Massachusetts to conduct the interview before the end of the weekend. McDaniels is also going to interview with the Atlanta Falcons.

I am writing this up separately from the request permission, because assistants can always decline to interview. In 2011, the 49ers wanted to interview McDaniels as their primary backup in case Jim Harbaugh did not join the team. McDaniels declined for what Matt Maiocco is reporting was concern about the uncertain structure of Jed York and Trent Baalke.

Four years later, there is some uncertainty about the 49ers following Jim Harbaugh's departure. This group did work together to get the team to three straight NFC championship games, but that was not enough, and Harbaugh's departure remains fairly mysterious. If I am looking at head coaching jobs, I have to ask myself if I can put up with the potential hassle. Sure things could start great, but you have to keep in mind how things eventually went down.

On the other hand, there is a lot of talent on this team, even with it due some potential turnover. And for an offensive-minded head coach like McDaniels, the chance to work with Colin Kaepernick might be something he does not want to pass up. I have no idea what McDaniels is thinking, but we know something about the job interests him enough to interview.