49ers name John Lynch as new GM on reported 6-year contract

The San Francisco 49ers are hiring John Lynch as their next general manager, the team confirmed Sunday.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Lynch signed a six-year contract, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Lynch served as an analyst for FOX, and was named to nine Pro Bowls over the course of his career, winning a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 45-year-old is a finalist for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

It was widely reported that the 49ers whittled their search down to two candidates, with many expecting the team to name Vikings assistant general manager George Paton or Cardinals vice president of player personnel Terry McDonough as their next general manager.

Lynch has never served in any management capacity since his playing career ended.

The 49ers fired general manager Trent Baalke on Jan. 1.