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Why Hiring John Lynch as GM Was the Right Move for the 49ers

By Peter Panacy

Nov 3, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers former safety John Lynch addresses the crowd as his name is added to the Buccaneers Ring of Fame during the halftime ceremony of a football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 3, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers former safety John Lynch addresses the crowd as his name is added to the Buccaneers Ring of Fame during the halftime ceremony of a football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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The San Francisco 49ers have officially named former NFL star and now-former Fox Sports analyst John Lynch as the team’s new general manager. And the Niners made the right move by doing so.

Conventional wisdom may not be the term used when describing the San Francisco 49ers’ selection of former NFL star, turned Fox Sports analyst John Lynch as the team’s next general manager.

But that’s exactly what the Niners did, officially announcing the deal on Monday.

And San Francisco made a good move by doing so.

Before we go any further, let’s admit this move — a six-year deal — could easily blow up in CEO Jed York’s face. Lynch has no experience running a front office or assembling a team’s roster.

Especially a 49ers one with so many needs.

Yet let’s consider why this move was the right one for San Francisco at the right time.

A New Direction Needed

Let’s face it, York’s decision making over the last three years has been suspect at best. And we certainly can point a big finger at former general manager Trent Baalke, whose actions largely led to San Francisco’s roster deteriorating year after year until now.

As broken down here, Lynch’s hiring indicates a major shift in the team’s philosophy.

Related Story: Hiring John Lynch Shows a Major Change in 49ers Philosophy

York is done with quick fixes and experimental promotions from within (see Jim Tomsula). New candidates couldn’t be soft-spoken “yes men” or persons willing to bow to York — or vice president of player personnel Paraag Marathe for that matter.

Lynch commands respect, even if his front-office experience is nonexistent.

And those are good ramifications to have for this team in need.

A New Face of the Franchise

Who knows what the capacity will be for Lynch in the public eye. But one thing is for certain — he won’t be the behind-the-scenes type like Baalke, consistently shunning public attention and deflecting it elsewhere through leaks.

Lynch’s on-TV persona is well known. That will help, even when the questions get tough. Don’t expect Lynch to cut any corners or “cloud the air” with vague responses.

The 49ers need someone like that.

And if you don’t believe this argument, just ask fellow NFL pundits like Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer or 9News’ Mike Klis:

As Klis noted, pairing Lynch with presumed head coach Kyle Shanahan makes an intriguing and likely dynamic GM/head coach tandem.

San Francisco needs that too.

Where It Counts

Again, Lynch will need a lot of help. But his name alone should draw in a helpful crop of smart-minded NFL assistants. We’re not talking about some no-name scout who wound up being promoted within the Niners front office.

Lynch has clout. And that clout will extend beyond his staff.

Jan 1, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Fox Sports announcer and former NFL player John Lynch on the sidelines before game between Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Fox Sports announcer and former NFL player John Lynch on the sidelines before game between Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

Consider this — San Francisco was surely going to be a tough sell to any free agents this offseason on either side of the ball.

Sure, the current state of the Niners roster will require the team to overpay on some targets. But going to play for an offensive genius like Shanahan will entice a number of players. And those players on the defensive side will surely respect what Lynch managed to do during his pro career.

In short, which combination would you rather have atop the 49ers hierarchy — Baalke and Kelly or Lynch and Shanahan?

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That should be enough to seal the argument.

Simply put, York and the Niners needed this drastic change and one that brought credibility back to the organization.

And, for the first time in a while, fans have reasons to be excited about what the future holds in Santa Clara.

Next: Pros & Cons of Hiring John Lynch as General Manager

That alone is reason enough why this was the right move.