In an absolutely shocking move, the San Francisco 49ers are going to name former All-Pro safety, and current Fox analyst John Lynch as their next general manager, according to Adam Schefter. Even more amazing perhaps, is that York and Co. are giving Lynch an unheard of six-year deal.
SF is hiring Hall-of-Fame candidate and FOX analyst John Lynch as GM, sources tell ESPN. Lynch back to Bay Area, where he went to Stanford.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 30, 2017
49ers are giving John Lynch an almost unprecedented six-year deal to become their GM, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 30, 2017
Proving Schefter wasn’t hacked, Matt Maiocco of CSNBay Area confirmed the report shortly after. Reports surfaced early Sunday that the Niners were considering a “mystery candidate” for the position. It would appear Lynch was the man in question.
A nine-time Pro Bowler, Lynch, 45, has no NFL front office experience, let alone experience as an NFL GM.
Reports never surfaced of the 49ers interviewing Lynch, and it was assumed until Sunday that the 49ers were deciding between Vikings assistant GM George Paton and Cardinals VP of player personnel Terry McDonough.
Interestingly, Lynch said this about 49ers presumptive head coach Kyle Shanahan while broadcasting a recent NFC Divisional Playoff game.
?? during the Seattle game https://t.co/gonIKJ1kmn
— John Middlekauff (@JohnMiddlekauff) January 30, 2017
According to Schefter, Lynch met with San Francisco officials on Thursday and Friday, spending Thursday evening at Jed York’s house before flying back to his hometown of San Diego Friday night. Lynch put his name in the running according to Schefter, calling Shanahan a week ago to volunteer for the job. Shanahan thought Lynch was a good fit.
Lynch will likely be voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday.