The list of eligible candidates to be the San Francisco 49ers next general manager continues to grow. Minnesota Vikings assistant general manager George Paton, a man with 20 years of NFL personnel experience, is the latest to interview with 49ers brass. Paton has been highly sought after for GM openings in recent years but has declined a number of interviews, electing to stay with the Vikings.
Paton has been the right-hand man of Vikings GM Rick Spielman for the past 10 seasons in Minnesota. He's held his current position for five seasons after being the team's director of pro personnel for his first five years. Prior to joining forces with the Vikings, the pair of heralded evaluators worked together with the Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins.
During Paton's tenure, Minnesota has made four postseason appearances with three NFC North championships. Running back Adrian Peterson, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, cornerback Xavier Rhodes, free safety Harrison Smith, linebacker Anthony Barr and linebacker Brian Urlacher (with Chicago) are a few of the notable selections that Paton has had a hand in drafting.
