With a search that some league insiders consider to be window dressing aimed at creating the impression of due diligence (and Rooney Rule compliance), the Niners are believed to be focused on elevating Trent Baalke into the vacant G.M. job.
The 49ers did not appoint a new G.M. after firing Scot McCloughan in the weeks prior to the 2010 draft. Baalke inherited most of the duties, but not the title.
Given their meeting with former Panthers and Rams executive Tony Softli, who currently is not employed by any NFL team, the Niners have complied with the requirement that at least one minority candidate be interviewed. It’s believed that the remaining roster of candidates will include folks against whom Baalke will compare favorably.
Baalke presumably then will be involved in the hiring of the franchise’s next head coach.