The San Francisco 49ers informed Trent Baalke two days ago that they were going to fire him, and it appears they have since begun a preliminary search process. The team made Baalke’s firing official on Sunday evening, but even before then potential candidates’ names were already leaking out. CBS Sports NFL reporter Jason La Canfora threw out a handful of names, first this morning, and then following the team’s season finale.
49ers have interest in two of Seattle's top personnel men - Trent Kirchner and Scott Fitterer. Also, as reported, high on Louis Riddick
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) January 2, 2017
Some names I've heard 49ers will consider for GM - Louis Riddick, Scott Pioli, George Paton. High on coaches Josh McDaniels, Vance Joseph
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) January 1, 2017
Riddick is a popular name in the media. He is an ESPN analyst, but previously has worked as a director of pro personnel in Washington and Philadelphia, and a scout before those roles with both teams.
Kirchner and Fitterer are currently the Seahawks co-directors of player personnel. Kirchner has worked his way up from scout to assistant pro personnel director to pro personnel director to his current role. Fitterer worked his way up from scout to regional director of college scouting to director of college scouting to his current role.
The 49ers announced the firing of Baalke Sunday evening, and Jed York will hold a press conference Monday at 10 a.m. PT. I imagine it will consist mostly of cliches about who wants to hire, but we’ll see if he offers any hints as to what’s next at that point.