Donahue Takes Job in 49er Front Office

Terry Donahue, after three years as a CBS college football commentator, is leaving to become director of operations for the San Francisco 49ers.

Donahue was on his way to Mobile, Ala., on Sunday and could not be reached for comment. But CBS spokeswoman Leslie Ann Wade and sources close to Donahue confirmed he had accepted the job.

Donahue, the former UCLA coach who retired in 1995 as the winningest coach in Pacific 10 Conference history, is scheduled to meet with the 49er scouting staff this morning in Mobile, site of next weekend’s Senior Bowl, and be in San Francisco by Wednesday for a news conference announcing his new position.

The 49ers are also expected to announce that Bill Walsh is their new general manager and Gene Washington, former 49er wide receiver and current NFL vice president, will take over the business side of the team.

John McVay, who has been serving as general manager, will step aside. Walsh at some point is also expected to step aside and pave the way for Donahue to become the general manager. Exactly when that might occur is unclear.