Shanahan trying to convince Rathman to stay with 49ers

Recommended Video:

The pledge Kyle Shanahan made to Bobby Turner means the 49ers might not have running backs Tom Rathman on their staff for the first time since 2008.

On Thursday, Shanahan confirmed his running backs coach will be Turner, 67, who has spent six of the past seven seasons with him in Atlanta (2015-16) and Washington (2010-13). Shanahan said he told Turner he’d hire him as his running backs coach if he ever became a head coach.

As a result, Shanahan is hoping to convince Rathman to stay in Santa Clara in a different role. Rathman, 54, spent the first eight seasons of his nine-year NFL career as a fullback with the 49ers. Shanahan was a 49ers ball boy during Rathman’s final two seasons with the team.

“I love Tom Rathman,” Shanahan said. “He’s a hero of mine and I know how good of a coach he is. I’m really trying hard to get him to be here in whatever other role he wants. But I know Tom. Tom’s a running backs coach. I’m going to try my hardest to keep him here. It’s definitely going to be up to him, but I’m going to have to do some convincing, I think.”

Rathman has coached running backs throughout his 20-year career with the 49ers (1997-2002; 2009-16); Lions (2003-05) and Raiders (2006-08).

Twitter: @Eric_Branch