49ers select John Lynch as new general manager

After weeks of alleged discreet courtship, the San Francisco 49ers stunned fans by hiring Fox NFL analyst and Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist John Lynch as their new general manager, according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport.

Lynch played 15 seasons in the NFL. He began his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1993 to 2003, joined the Denver Broncos for three years and retired after one season with the New England Patriots.

Lynch won over the 49ers’ front office with his communication and leadership skills. The 45-year-old has never held a job in an NFL front office before. However, he has won Super Bowl XXXVII with the Buccaneers, made nine Pro Bowls and was named the Bart Starr and Byron “Whizzer” White Man of the Year in 2006. He’s also in the Broncos’ and Buccaneers’ ring of honor.

The 49ers’ search for a new general manager to succeed Trent Baalke has finally come to an end. They’ve also wrapped up their second interview with Kyle Shanahan Sunday, according to Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area.

There is just one big question: Is Lynch going to rise to the occasion? All we can do is speculate because the hapless 49ers have lots of items to cross off on their to-do list, including finding pass rushers and wide receivers to restock the depleted offense.