The San Francisco 49ers coach search will not include the biggest potential fish. Sean Payton is set to announce on Wednesday that he will remain as head coach of the New Orleans Saints, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
There has been rampant speculation this year that Payton and the Saints were headed for a divorce. The offseason brought reports that the 49ers and Miami Dolphins were both interested. There were reports he had spoken with the Indianapolis Colts. And with Tom Coughlin's retirement, Payton was immediately connected to the Giants job. Instead, he will remain in New Orleans for the foreseeable future.
The 49ers coaching search has other candidates on the radar. The 49ers will interview Bills assistant head coach/running backs coach Anthony Lynn on Thursday, and is set to interview Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Hue Jackson on Sunday. The team was set to interview Mike Shanahan as well, but that is on hold for now as the two sides continue phone discussions. Mike Holmgren has reportedly expressed interest as well, and Chip Kelly reached out to the 49ers, according to Adam Schefter.
Suffice to say, there will be interviews in the coming days. Hopefully we see satisfactory resolution sooner rather than later.