Mike Shanahan visited the 49ers Wednesday practice session

The San Francisco 49ers had an old friend on hand for Wednesday’s OTA session. Mike shanahan, former 49ers offensive coordinator and father of the current head coach, took in the team’s practice session. Jennifer Chan got a picture of him as he was hanging out on the sideline, and that picture is followed by a couple other beat writer pictures as Shanahan hung out for the day.

Mike Shanahan spent three seasons with the 49ers, serving as George Seifert’s offensive coordinator in 1992, 1993, and 1994. He went on to serve as head coach of the Denver Broncos (1995-2008) and Washington (2010-2013). Kyle served as his OC in Washington, and while they had some success, things ended in sour fashion. Mike retired while Kyle moved on to serve as OC of the Cleveland Browns and then the Atlanta Falcons.

Over the past three years, numerous rumors popped up connecting the 49ers with both Mike and Kyle Shanahan. The 49ers spoke with Mike at one point, but nothing developed from that. Eventually the team hired Kyle this offseason, and he along with John Lynch is running the show.

That being said, I don’t imagine this will be the last time we see Mike Shanahan take in a practice or two. And I have to admit, it’s kind of cool seeing Papa Shanahan in the 49ers gear once again!

Jennifer Chan