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San Francisco 49ers: Short List of Head Coach Candidates in 2016

By Peter Panacy

Jan 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton on the sideline in the third quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Saints won 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton on the sideline in the third quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Saints won 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal head coach David Shaw enters the field before the third quarter against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the 2016 Rose Bowl at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal head coach David Shaw enters the field before the third quarter against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the 2016 Rose Bowl at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

David Shaw

Stanford head coach David Shaw is another head coach candidate likely looking to make his mark at the NFL level and, based on geography alone, the 49ers could be exactly what he’s looking for in 2016.

And coaching at the college level will likely help Shaw with the youthful reality that is the current San Francisco roster. There would be some rapport there, right?

But it doesn’t seem as if Shaw is remotely interested.

“I don’t think he’s leaving,” said 49ers linebacker Shayne Skov, via Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News, who played at Stanford under both Shaw and Jim Harbaugh from 2009-2013.

“Maybe down the line if he continues to be successful he’ll leave,” Skov continued. “He’s certainly happy, and he’s found a great place for him.”

Add that to Shaw’s respect and loyalty to former head coach Jim Harbaugh, and it’s hard to see Shaw wanting to take any opening with the 49ers for a very, very long time.

If at all.

Why He Fits:

Shaw delivers a pro-style offense in Stanford and would bring a solid approach to a team needing clear direction in 2016. Such a selection wouldn’t be a retread-type coach looking to hold onto the reins at the NFL level for a couple more seasons.

Why He Doesn’t:

Shaw is no stranger to what happened between the 49ers and Harbaugh just over a year ago. Would he really want to leave a great situation in Stanford to pursue an unstable one in Santa Clara?

The Likelihood:

This tweet says it all:

Next: Mike Shanahan