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Both Kyle Shanahan and Josh McDaniels Audition in NFL Divisional Round for 49ers Head Coaching Spot

By Peter Panacy

Aug 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan before a game against the Washington Redskins at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan before a game against the Washington Redskins at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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The San Francisco 49ers should have paid very close attention to how Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan and New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels fared against the Seahawks and Texans, respectively. Who has the edge for the Niners’ head coaching gig?

Forget interviews. Offensive coordinators Kyle Shanahan (Atlanta Falcons) and Josh McDaniels (New England Patriots) were in open auditions during the NFL Divisional Round for the San Francisco 49ers head coaching opening.

Well, so was Seahawks offensive line coach Tom Cable.

Let’s stick to McDaniels and Shanahan though. Who’s got the edge after this latest round of playoff action?

Both have already met with San Francisco’s top brass — CEO Jed York and Vice President of Football Operations Paraag Marathe.

And while a “handshake deal” might be in place with either candidate, nothing official can be announced until either coordinator’s team is out of the playoffs.

The MMQB’s Albert Breer recently suggested (h/t KNBR 680) McDaniels is the favorite. But is it close?

Let’s take a look at each coordinator’s efforts to try and make a decision.

Kyle Shanahan’s Efforts vs. Seahawks

Atlanta knocked off Seattle 36-20, continuing the Falcons’ push into the postseason. While this might delay any official nod from the 49ers, there is no doubting Shanahan’s play-calling caught the attention of York and Co.

True, it helps to have quarterback Matt Ryan, wide receiver Julio Jones and running back Devonta Freeman as key contributors.

But Shanahan has also done relatively well with lesser offenses too.

Keep this in mind though. Atlanta’s victory came over a very tough Seahawks defense — a game in which Shanahan’s schemes routinely picked apart anything Seattle had to offer.

Just check out the play-calling here:

That’s called getting guys open, just as our own Niner Noise’s Rich Madrid stated:

In total, the Falcons gained 422 all-purpose yards against a Seahawks defense that ranked fifth in the NFL in fewest yards against during the regular season.

Another thing to consider? The Niners face the Seahawks twice per season. Shanahan had his way with the defense.

Enough said.

Josh McDaniels’ Efforts vs. Texans

While Shanahan’s efforts against the Seahawks were impressive, keep in mind the Texans finished atop the league in fewest yards against during the regular season (4,821).

So the Patriots’ efforts were no joke either.

Still, McDaniels doesn’t have much of a history outside of New England. More importantly, a history without head coach Bill Belichick, quarterback Tom Brady and, more recently, tight end Rob Gronkowski.

Sep 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Cardinals 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Cardinals 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Simply put, Shanahan has done more with less. And when he’s had the playmakers — like he does currently with Atlanta — Shanahan’s offense is downright scary.

New England’s 377 total yards against in the divisional round was impressive. And to think McDaniels was able to engineer this kind of game plan without a true top-tier receiving target is something to consider as well.

Who Has the Edge?

If it were up to this lone writer at Niner Noise, Shanahan should be the clear-cut favorite.

Of course there are more than a few variables in play here. But just ask Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller on who has done more in a coordinator role:

As one Twitter comment noted, the 49ers should follow an NFL Draft approach of taking the best person available when their name is called.

More from Niner Noise

With the only coaching spot left this offseason, San Francisco is on the clock.

It’s clear Shanahan is the best person available. Not only does he have the better resume, but he made easy work of the Niners’ chief divisional rival.

Next: 49ers' List of Head Coaching Candidates Drying Up

And it would be great if he could carry that knowledge and ability into a head coaching gig in Santa Clara.