NFL Notes: Coaching Candidates, Michigan, Jay Cutler, 49ers

Coaching Candidates

• ESPN’s Chris Mortensen mentions that it’s clear former Redskins and Broncos HC Mike Shanahan wants to coach again, but in the right situation.
• Adam Schefter reports that despite being viewed as the No. 1 head coaching candidate in college, Stanford HC David Shaw has told people he plans to remain at the University.
• Ian Rapoport reports that two other college coaches that have interest from NFL teams include UCLA HC Jim Mora and Auburn HC Gus Malzahn.
• Rapoport added that the 49ers could have interest in Mora and the Dolphins could be a team to watch in regards to Malzahn.

Michigan

Jason La Canfora reports that the University of Michigan is interested in NFL head coaches other than Jim Harbaugh including his brother, Ravens HC John Harbaugh, Saints HC Sean Payton, Bills HC Doug Marrone and Cowboys HC Jason Garrett.

Jay Cutler

Jason La Canfora reports that Jay Cutler’s hefty contract, his recent performance and other factors could result in the Bears being “effectively stuck” with him for two more years.

According to La Canfora’s sources, Cutler has no intention of altering his contract to facilitate a trade this offseason. Instead, Cutler is reportedly waiting to see how the organization restructures for next year and who he’ll working with on as offensive coaches are concerned.

Bears ownership is reportedly not prepared to the possibility of releasing Cutler as they would still have to pay him the $15.5 million guaranteed in his contract.

49ers

• Jason La Canfora mentions that the 49ers could ultimately weaken their ability to land some of the top candidates due to their contract issues with Jim Harbaugh.

“Other teams realize the 49ers’ relationship with Harbaugh is broken, and his departure is inevitable, so they have little leverage in that regard, and with any team that would trade for Harbaugh needing to work out an extension with him, he holds all the cards in the end,” writes La Canfora. “San Francisco’s ability to dictate where he goes, despite having a year left on his deal, is being seen as negligible around the industry.“