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Since the 49ers season ended, there has been no shortage of names being put forth to be the team's next head coach. There were some big names mentioned like Mike Shanahan, Mike Holmgren, Rex Ryan, and even Chip Kelly and John Gruden (both of which are firmly entrenched in their current jobs). There are also the in-house options like Vic Fangio and Jim Tomsula. The most abundant group are the coordinators from other teams like Adam Gase, Josh McDaniels, Kyle Shanahan, Teryl Austin, Hue Jackson, Pep Hamilton, Todd Bowles, etc. This only makes sense as offensive/defensive coordinators are the closest to the head coach in pecking order.
What's interesting to note is that there aren't really any college head coaches who have been on the radar, unlike four years ago, when Jim Harbaugh was clearly the top candidate (I apologize for not even making it to two paragraphs without mentioning our former coach). The only name that has been on the fringe is Jim Mora Jr. of UCLA, who already has NFL head coaching experience, but even that is a long shot.
I would have to say the current odds on and sentimental favorite is Vic Fangio and there are many who seem to agree that he is a very strong candidate. Vic is probably the epitome of the girl best friend who doesn't have the mass appeal of the popular hot girl, but in the end, he knows best what the team needs simply because he has been there through good and bad. Until the new coach is finally announced, it's going to continue to be a crazy off-season for the 49ers.
49ers head coach search: unless York and Baalke have a trick up their sleeve, the choice is Fangio (BASG)
San Francisco 49ers: Vic Fangio Should Be the Head Coach in 2015 (B/R)
Defensive coaches must form plan for Kap, 49ers' offense (Maiocco)
Mike Shanahan interviews for 49ers coaching position (Examiner)
Jim Harbaugh postscript: Did he want to stay? (Lynch)
San Francisco 49ers: Pick Your Staff (Golden Gate Sports)
Teams should be ready to chase Jason Garrett, too (Florio)
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