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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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Aug 14, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Hue Jackson in a preseason NFL football game against the New York Giants at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 14, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Hue Jackson in a preseason NFL football game against the New York Giants at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /

Hue Jackson

Current Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Hue Jackson may be one of the more likable candidates the 49ers could consider this offseason.

Jackson has been with the Bengals in one form or another after a rough stint with the Oakland Raiders as head coach back in 2011. Ownership changes in Oakland forced Jackson out despite him being known as a brilliant offensive mind.

And the 49ers are in desperate need of one of those.

Would San Francisco consider making the move for Jackson, who could be one of the more attractive coaching candidates on the market this offseason?

Well, it wouldn’t be a bad idea.

Why He Fits:

Jackson’s last head-coaching stint didn’t go so well thanks to the shake-ups atop the Raiders organization. But there is no doubting his offensive prowess.

Just look at what he’s done for the Bengals offense in 2015.

Jackson, from Los Angeles, is also a West Coast guy and has ties to the Bay Area.

Why He Doesn’t:

There isn’t much of a reason to state Jackson wouldn’t fit in San Francisco. He’d likely be an excellent choice. But he’s already had his share of questionable ownership, and there’s no shortage of that with the 49ers. Jackson may see the situation as a bad fit.

The Likelihood:

It shouldn’t be a surprise if Jackson gets an interview from the 49ers. And it’s possible San Francisco goes this route if the front office sells the franchise enough towards Jackson’s own interests.

He may not be the 49ers’ No. 1 choice, but he should be right up there.

Next: Sean Payton