Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen coach spent four hours interviewing former Bronco coordinator Jim Fassel for the team's head coaching job Monday.
But Bowlen said he still wants to talk with San Francisco offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan and several other coaches.Among them is University of Miami coach Dennis Erickson, despite Erickson's remark that Seattle is the only NFL team in which he is interested.
Because league tampering rules prohibit teams from contacting coaches until their season is over, Bowlen cannot meet with Shanahan, a leading candidate for the Denver opening since Wade Phillips was fired Dec. 29.
"It's well rumored and understood that Mike Shanahan is someone I want to talk to," Bowlen said. "But with league rules, I cannot do that until after his team's season is over . . . and I will not break the rules."
The 49ers play the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC title game this week. If San Francisco wins, Bowlen will be forced to wait until after the Super Bowl (Jan. 29) to speak with Shanahan.
Denver is not the only team interested in hiring Shanahan, and Bowlen hopes to be the first owner to speak with him. The 49ers have indicated they intend to keep him.
Bowlen and Fassel said the interview went well.
"We had a very good meeting," Bowlen said. "I was very impressed. Jim has a lot of good ideas and I think he's a legitimate head-coaching candidate."
Fassel said he presented Bowlen with a six-page proposal, which outlined his football philosophies.
"I felt like, after he talked to me, I was a legitimate candidate," Fassel said. "And after spending as much time as Mr. Bowlen did, I definitely don't feel like it was a token interview."
As for plans to interview Erickson, Bowlen said: "I'm sure I'm not wasting my time, and I'm sure I won't be wasting his time . . . I think this is one of the most desirable head-coaching positions in the NFL, and I'm sure he's interested in talking with me."
Bowlen said he will fly to San Francisco this week to meet with Erickson, who is preparing to coach the East team in the East-West Shrine game.
On Friday, Bowlen is to meet with Buffalo Bills assistant Elijah Pitts.