Fuzzy Math: 49ers + Dan Reeves = Michael Vick? Maybe, Maybe Not

I typically don't follow the 49ers all that closely during the offseason, but I thought it was surprising that they would interview former Broncos and Falcons head coach Dan Reeves for the offensive coordinator job. Partly because he just turned 65 but also because he last coached in the NFL in 2003. (The last time a Bay Area team hired a coach who had been away from the game for some time the results were comically disastrous.)

That San Francisco interviewed Ravens quarterbacks coach Hue Jackson for the same job is less surprising; he has experience as a coordinator and played a big role in Joe Flacco's progress this season.

But Adam Schefter, fresh off putting Chris Mortensen in his place, goes all Spooky Mulder on what the offensive coordinator interview process might mean. (Other than the obvious "we would like to put the Mike Martz debaclement behind us as quickly as possible" implications.)

... Some of the candidates the 49ers have begun to focus on all have connections to Vick, who could be back in the NFL as early as this summer after being released from federal prison.

No team has a greater need for a quarterback than the 49ers, but this isn't to say they will pursue him. But the coaches they're pursuing now all know and have worked with Vick.

Reeves was in Atlanta when that franchise traded up to take Michael Vick with the No. 1 overall pick in 2000, and Jackson also coached Vick with the Falcons. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell must still reinstate Vick once he's released from prison, and assuming that happens, it's certainly reasonable to think that he'll draw plenty of interest from around the league.

I'm still not convinced he can return as a quarterback if only because he struggled at the position when he wasn't taking three years off to make license plates. But the 49ers haven't had a legit quarterback since Jeff Garcia left, so it's all relative, I suppose.

Vick's best chance at being successful might be as a hybrid, Devin Hester-type player. And with the proliferation of the Wildcat offense, it's not a completely ridiculous notion. Particularly when you consider how inept San Francisco's offense has been in recent seasons.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

1-24-2009 @ 9:41PM

-=-B said...

Vick in San Francisco? Isn't San Fran extremely dog friendly, and a PETA hot spot? Is this a decision that plays well in the city or is it just about spin? I.E. Singletary can control MVick, PETA can make sure he isn't insane. Or does San Fran just go nuts and want to run him out before he even gets there.

Personally, I see Vick in a place like Miami and becoming a "Parcells" guy. Hopefully Seattle is too far north, but with Knapp and Mora in town...YIKES!

1-25-2009 @ 9:20AM

Pryce said...

I BELEIVE IN GIVING SECOND CHANCES, SOO LETS GIVE VICK TO THE 49ERS AND SEE IF HE CAN REDIM HIMSELF. EVERYBODY DESERES A SECOND CHANCE. NOBODYS PERFECT.

1-25-2009 @ 9:52AM

rob mccloskey said...

ryan,
hey as a 49ers fan, let me ask you a favor...go back to ignoring us in the off-season.
thanks,
rob

1-25-2009 @ 11:29AM

Tommy said...

ya alright maybe or mabye not im thinking probably not

1-26-2009 @ 1:06PM

juan said...

Im thinking... FOR THE LOVE OF GOD NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1-26-2009 @ 3:45PM

Ken said...

I will guarantee Michael Vick will play in the NFL again. It might be a year from now after he plays a season up in Canada. If he plays this upcoming season it should be with the Niners, the Raiders, or the Bears. I agree that the Niners are a long shot because of the PETA people, but the Raider Nation doesn't care just win. And it's pretty much the same with the Monsters of the Midway. Kyle Orton and Rex Grossman are not the answer!!

1-27-2009 @ 7:20AM

vince said...

Bring him in ...hell why not...he cant be any worse than the Qbs they have now..smith is utter crap..and i dont even know the other two because they both played on and off so much who cares..and if i remember correctly it wasnt Vicks fault..it was his cousins who were doing it..he just caught the blame because it was his home..that being rich..he was never at.