49ers radio analyst: York will feel more comfortable with Shanahan

Recommended Video:

Kyle Shanahan, 37, is in line to become the second-youngest NFL head coach and his youth makes him a peer of 49ers CEO Jed York.

And that’s a good thing.

At least it is in the estimation of 49ers radio analyst Tim Ryan, who provided interesting insight on KNBR today regarding York’s relationships with previous head coaches Jim Harbaugh, 53, and Chip Kelly, 53.

Ryan, a team employee who has said he speaks frequently with York, believes York, 36, will feel more comfortable relating with Shanahan.

“I think the chips fell in favor of Jed and ownership this time,” Ryan said. “I think they ended up getting the right guy. I think (Shanahan is) perfect for Jed York, their ability to grow this franchise together. I think (he’s) someone that he actually feels comfortable with sitting in a room and discussing a variety of topics. I can’t imagine being an owner and if you look at Harbaugh -- and excluding Jim Tomsula. And I played four years with Harbaugh (with the Bears) so I’m entitled to say what I’m going to say. And then with coach Chip Kelly and kind of how his - I don’t want to say his ego - but just kind of how he conducts himself.

“It’s, I can’t imagine being an owner and being afraid to ask a question. Not afraid, but ‘Man, should I ask this question to this guy?’ Because those guys walk around like you ask them anything it’s ‘I’m going to shut you down.’ I think ultimately for Jed and the ability to communicate with his head coach, and this is his guy moving forward. You look at their ages, you look at their similarities. I’m sure they crossed paths somewhere as kids when Mike (Shanahan) was here (with the 49ers) as the offensive coordinator and Kyle was a kid and Jed was a kid. But I think, ultimately, it’s going to end up being the best hire from a relationship standpoint.”

Added Ryan: “If I’m the owner of a team, I don’t care what I know or don’t know. If I ask my coaches, ‘What is a football made out of?’ -- he better tell me. He better not look at me ‘What, are you an idiot?’”

“… No question should be off limits if you’re the owner. And you should feel comfortable talking to your head coach and communicating with them. I think that is going to a huge hurdle that they’ve gotten over and will easily be able to get over versus the other guys that have been there.”

Twitter: @Eric_Branch