49ers Could Target Young Offensive Minded Coaches To Replace Jim Harbaugh

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reports, via Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, that the 49ers are expected to target a young offensive specialist to take over for Jim Harbaugh next year.

According to Mortensen, two candidates to keep an eye on are Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase.

This is somewhat interesting news given that there has been talk for several months now that 49ers DL coach Jim Tomsula was considered to be the favorite to take over as the team’s head coach once they traded Harbaugh.

Florio writes that the 49ers will be looking for someone who can get along well with GM Trent Baalke, which has reportedly been an issue with Harbaugh.

Both McDaniels and Gase are likely to be two of the most popular offensive-minded coaching candidates next year.

Gase found plenty of interest during the previous offseason, but he elected to stay on with the Broncos and wait for the right opportunity.

McDaniels wound up leading the Broncos to a 11-17 record before he was replaced during his second season with the team.

Jason La Canfora mentioned last night there is a “10,000 percent” chance of Harbaugh leaving the 49ers, and La Canfora expects him to remain in the NFL and likely end up with the Raiders.

However, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Friday that Harbaugh’s family and friends have been encouraging him to take the University of Michigan head coaching job, so there is still a chance that he could return to the college game.

We’ll have more updates regarding the 49ers job and Harbaugh as the news is available.