Fansided

Ranking The Vacant NFL Head Coaching Jobs

By Ryan Phillips

Dec 14, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) looks to pass while under pressure from the Seattle Seahawks during the third quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) looks to pass while under pressure from the Seattle Seahawks during the third quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 28, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) calls an audible during the third quarter of the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi
Dec 28, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) calls an audible during the third quarter of the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi /

1. San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers job is clearly the most attractive to any potential candidate. While there was always friction between former head coach Jim Harbaugh and the team’s front office and ownership, Harbaugh seems to have that kind of relationship with most people. I don’t think candidates for the job will be scared off by how Harbaugh was forced out.

San Francisco’s roster is loaded with talent, just turned in an 8-8 season that was considered a disappointment and the franchise could turn things around quickly with the right coach. While there are serious questions about whether or not Colin Kaepernick will ever turn into an elite quarterback, his physical gifts are off the charts, and with the right kind of coaching he could improve rapidly. Frank Gore is a free agent but will almost certainly return, Carlos Hyde looks like his long-term replacement in the backfield and while Michael Crabtree might leave in free agency the receiving corps looks solid enough. Meanwhile the offensive line could lose guard Mike Iupati to free agency, but interior linemen aren’t tough to replace in the NFL.

Defensively, the 49ers ranked fifth in the NFL in yards allowed and have a really nice core. Budding star Chris Borland, Antoine Bethea and Aaron Lynch are guys to be excited about, while Patrick Willis should be back to full health next season. If Aldon Smith can stay out of trouble and remain focused he’s a monster and Tank Carradine could round into a solid pass rushing option as well. Both Chris Culliver and Perrish Cox will be free agents and it’s not clear what the long-term solution will be for the 49ers at cornerback. Defensive end Justin Smith is also expected to retire.

Even with a few question marks, the 49ers return one of the most stocked rosters in the NFL and the right coach could have them contending with the Seattle Seahawks for the NFC West crown next season. All available candidates should be falling all over each other to get in for an interview.

Next: Atlanta Falcons

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