Next coach to be interviewed?
Niners to interview Tennessee's Heimerdinger in coaching search
Associated Press
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger will interview for the San Francisco 49ers' head coaching position Tuesday, a Titans spokesman said.
Heimerdinger has been in charge of the Titans' offense for five years, leading Tennessee to several franchise superlatives and helping Steve McNair win a share of the MVP award last season. He was on the Denver Broncos' staff for five years before joining the Titans, but hasn't been a head coach since 1979 at Johnsburg High School in McHenry, Ill.
Heimerdinger's interview will be the second conducted by owner John York since he fired coach Dennis Erickson and dismissed general manager Terry Donahue on Wednesday. The 49ers finished 2-14, matching the worst record in franchise history and earning the top pick in the draft.
York interviewed New England defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel in Boston on Saturday. York plans to hire a coach with broad powers before replacing his general manager.
York apparently was interested in interviewing Southern California coach Pete Carroll, but the former Jets and Patriots coach has said he isn't interested.
Mike Heimerdinger, Tennessee offensive coordinator. Spent five years with Mike Shanahan in Denver and five years with the Titans, for whom he did a terrific job with Steve McNair, and this year with Billy Volek and Drew Bennett, running a hybrid West Coast offense. Bennett, a converted college quarterback, became a star wide receiver under Heimerdinger.
Heimerdinger might bring Jim Schwartz, the Titans' defensive coordinator, with him if he gets a head-coaching job. Schwartz, a bright young guy in the Bill Belichick mold, is considered a rising star; he struggled this season, however, when the Titans lost most of their defense to injuries. Heimerdinger also could bring former Titans president Jeff Diamond as general manager; Diamond is bright, well organized and highly regarded around the league.
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