[Amnorix]

My view of Pioli's view.

1. BB has the HIGHEST regard for Shanahan. The two of them have obvious, tremendous mutual respect. I would not be surprised if BB considers Shanahan the best HC in the NFL (other than himself, if he's that immodest). That would mean Pioli would want Shanahan.

2. I would think Pioli would be VERY CONCERNED about Shanahan's ability to work FOR someone else. He has run his own show in Denver for a long time. Can he agree to give up control over player acquisitions. Shanahan's own history is what works best in Pioli's favor here, but I imagine before Shanahan gets hired they will have VERY LONG talks about this subject.

3. Pioli no doubt wants the same "mind meld" on players and team building that he had with BB. I'm dubious that he can get that with Shanahan, who is older and been successful, etc., and is more likely to be inflexible.

We'll see. I think Shanahan is a tremendous coach, though I've hated that rat faced jerk for ages now. Shanahan the Coach's worst enemy has been Shanahan the GM. With a good GM...