Former Stanford and NFL star defensive back John Lynch is the 49ers’ stunning choice as general manager, ending a four-week search that never publicly connected him to the opening, a source confirmed Sunday.
Lynch, 45, won over the 49ers brass with his leadership and communication skills, as well as his link to former 49ers coach Bill Walsh, who coached Lynch at Stanford 25 years ago, CEO Jed York told this newspaper. York also is convinced Lynch can surround himself with a “great staff” in his first foray into a NFL front office.
Lynch landed an unprecedented six-year deal despite having no previous front-office experience, ESPN first reported.