The San Francisco 49ers are just days into their search for Jim Harbaugh's replacement, but one in-house name is already picking up momentum: defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.
The 49ers refused to give the Washington Redskins permission to interview Fangio (Washington is looking to replace defensive coordinator Jim Haslett, who was fired earlier this week), and according to the SF Chronicle's Eric Branch, that's a sign that the 49ers are giving Fangio serious consideration in their coaching search.
The Redskins also asked to interview 49ers secondary coach Ed Donatell for their opening, and while the 49ers granted them permission, Branch reports that Fangio would keep Donatell as his defensive coordinator if the team were to promote him to head coach. The 49ers have blocked Donatell from interviewing with teams in the past, but Branch reports that allowing him to interview means they're sure he'd stick around...if Fangio is promoted and Donatell becomes San Francisco's DC.
The 49ers are scheduled to interview Broncos OC Adam Gase, former Redskins HC Mike Shanahan, and they've requested interviews with Browns OC Kyle Shanahan (Mike's son) and Patriots OC Josh McDaniels. Click here for the full list of possible 49ers coaching candidates, as of January 1.
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