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

The Kyle Shanahan Factor

We’ve already discussed why Kyle Shanahan would be the best fit for head coach. In a nutshell, he’s done more with less over his coordinating career.

True, how would the Falcons’ numbers look without quarterback Matt Ryan, wide receiver Julio Jones and running back Devonta Freeman?

Keep in mind though, Shanahan made quarterbacks Robert Griffin III and Matt Schaub look good with the Washington Redskins and Houston Texans, respectively. Shanahan has “done more with less,” essentially.

And, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter pointed out (h/t Rob Lowder of Niners Wire), the Niners have been “honing in on Shanahan” since Sunday:

This would likely come as welcomed news by 49ers fans.

But there’s a problem. With Josh McDaniels out of the running, Shanahan can now place more leverage against San Francisco for any spot — power, money, personnel decisions, etc. He knows he’s the favorite now. There isn’t any questioning that.

Fine, but is this something Jed York and Co. — always reluctant to relinquish the overall say — would be willing to do?

And what happens if Shanahan, equally aware of the ugly situation in Santa Clara, bows out at the last minute?