Falcons coach Dan Quinn shares past experience with Kyle Shanahan

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Atlanta Falcons coach Dan Quinn went through two years ago what his offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan is experiencing now.

Quinn, who was the Seattle Seahawks’ defensive coordinator at the time, was the presumptive next coach of the Falcons while he prepared to face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX.

One day after the Seahawks’ 28-24 loss to the Patriots, Quinn was announced as Falcons head coach.

The 49ers are expected to formally make an offer to Shanahan after the Falcons’ season is over, and Shanahan is “almost certain” to accept, the NFL Network reported. Atlanta plays host to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday in the NFC Championship Game.

“I definitely have shared insight with him as he was going through the process for him,” Quinn said of Shanahan on Wednesday during a press conference.

But Quinn referred all other questions about Shanahan’s likely hiring as the next 49ers coach to the Bay Area. The 49ers will be able to hold a second interview with Shanahan next week, regardless of the outcome of Sunday’s game. The 49ers’ first interview with Shanahan was Jan. 5. He was allowed to interview the first time because the Falcons were on the playoff bye week as the NFC’s No. 2 seed.

“I know it’s for sure out there, (but it’s) definitely not our story to tell,” Quinn said. “They (the 49ers) will for sure reach out to (general manager) Thomas (Dimitroff) and to the organization and there will be a window for them if they’d like to visit with him for next week. But that’s really where it’s at, and there’s nothing left to do until then.

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“That’s the way it’s designed from the league. You have your window and then that one closes for a while, and then there’s another one and you’re able to talk. From there, that’s why you’re able to lock back in and do what we’re doing. That’s where I am with that.”

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