One part of the 49ers’ search for a new head coach is baffling:
General manager Trent Baalke and CEO Jed York have interviewed a defensive coordinator from Seattle (Dan Quinn), a defensive-minded head coach (Rex Ryan) and reportedly have interest in two other defensive coordinators, Teryl Austin of the Lions and Todd Bowles of the Cardinals.
Each has been an excellent coach with a solid track record.
But if the 49ers want someone in charge with defensive expertise, why would any of them be better than Vic Fangio, the 49ers’ defensive coordinator whose units have been among the NFL’s best since he came aboard in 2011?
As Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com noted this week, Fangio’s 49ers defenses have ranked in the top five of the NFL in every season he’s been in San Francisco.
Fangio also is well respected by the players – especially those on defense – and is considered a no-nonsense, straightforward leader.
He already has interviewed for the job with the 49ers, so it’s apparent he’s among the candidates to replace Jim Harbaugh.
Sports
In fact, Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network tweeted after that interview that it apparently went very well.
“Heard Vic Fangio’s interview with the 49ers, who already know him quite well, lasted in excess of 6 hrs and was very impressive,” he tweeted. “Interesting.”
Yet because the 49ers have cast a wide net that includes several defensive-oriented coaches, can it be possible that the team may be valuing outside candidates over the proven, in-house candidate?
If so, it seems that could be a mistake. Keeping Fangio would allow the 49ers to keep some valued defensive coaches on staff – such as Jim Tomsula and Ed Donatell (one of whom could be promoted to defensive coordinator) – while starting fresh with a new offensive coordinator tasked with bringing some life back to a struggling offense.
Keeping Fangio would allow the 49ers to start fresh in some areas but keep the foundation of success that was built during the Harbaugh era.
Bringing in a defensive coordinator from outside and passing over Fangio makes no sense.
Certainly, Fangio’s players want to see him get the job. Said All-Pro inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman: “We’ve built so much chemistry with him. He’s a great human being and I would definitely listen to him on a head-coaching level. What you see is what you get with Vic.”
