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Kyle Shanahan vs. Tom Cable for Head Coach Points to Major 49ers Fork in the Road

By Peter Panacy

Jan 15, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York looks on during a press conference to introduce Jim Tomsula as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York looks on during a press conference to introduce Jim Tomsula as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots Josh McDaniels offensive coordinator reacts as he leaves the field following the win against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. The Patriots defeated the Broncos 16-3. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots Josh McDaniels offensive coordinator reacts as he leaves the field following the win against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. The Patriots defeated the Broncos 16-3. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

What Josh McDaniels Bowing Out Means

Josh McDaniels cited the desire not to uproot his family from Massachusetts and travel clear across the country. That was his primary motive for staying put, at least on the surface.

But anyone reading between the lines knows the 49ers don’t exactly offer job security. Whoever takes the reins in 2017 will be the fourth head coach in as many years in Santa Clara.

And while Jed York has specified the desire to have a long-term figurehead in place, the reputation precedes his words.

It’s possible McDaniels started to realize he was the second runner behind Shanahan, especially after the latter’s dismantling of the Seahawks defense — whom the Niners face twice a year — in the NFC Divisional round.

Maybe McDaniels decided now would be the time to remove himself from consideration and remain loyal to Pats head coach Bill Belichick and Co.

Not like it’s a bad gig.

Yet a bigger reason would be the job security. McDaniels’ last head coaching stint didn’t go so well. The Denver Broncos released him just short of completing his second season. Did he learn from this? For sure. If anything, McDaniels learned the next head coaching spot would likely be his last opportunity.

So it better be a perfect situation. The 49ers offer anything but.