The 49ers have requested and accepted the Giants' permission to interview former head coach Tom Coughlin, according to Mike Garofalo of Fox Sports.

If the 49ers decide to bring Coughlin on board, not only will he be taking over a team in need of rebuilding, it will likely spell the end of the Colin Kaepernick era in San Francisco. Coughlin spent 11 years with the Giants -- and won two Super Bowls -- with Eli Manning as his quarterback for almost the entirety of that run. Coughlin comes with the reputation of stern disciplinarian, and that may not work for Kaepernick, who has shown a sensitive side often.

During training camp he lashed out at the media for what he alleges was bad reporting about former teammate Aldon Smith trashing his Mercedes, when he in fact drives a Jaguar.

Giants Should Be Feeling Regret About Canning Tom Coughlin

"I feel like anyone that believes that and goes about that, reporting that is, just doesn't have the best integrity in my mind. I mean, to try to prey on athletes' livelihoods while one is going through a tough time is embarrassing to me for people that do report that and put that out there and jumped on that bandwagon just to get internet clicks and get attention to their website or reports. It really is embarrassing that people do that," Kaepernick said.

He has also gotten into it on Twitter with critical fans, mocking one in particular for having very few followers.

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Someone that aware of criticism from outside his team is unlikely to thrive under Coughlin, who won't care much for his feelings unless he shows he can be a winner on the field. Coughlin likely equals another year with Blaine Gabbert, unless the Niners make a move in free agency or the 2016 Draft.

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