It's obvious that coach Kyle Shanahan is the most important employee in the 49ers organization. The man who is arguably the second-most important member of the organization is leaving.
Via Adam Schefter of ESPN, executive V.P. of football operations Paraag Marathe is leaving the 49ers after 25 years with the team.
He'll focus on the soccer clubs the 49ers own â?? Leeds United of the Premier League and Rangers FC of the Scottish Premiership. Marathe currently serves as the chairman of Leeds United.
Two weeks ago, Marathe's name briefly emerged as a finalist to become Commissioner of the MLS. He quickly withdrew his name from consideration, creating the impression that he'd be staying put with the 49ers.
Marathe has been a quiet behind-the-scenes force for the 49ers, when it comes to negotiating contracts and managing the salary cap. There will be a void to fill moving forward, but the 49ers surely have a plan for doing so.