It would have been perfect for San Francisco 49ers assistant coach Mike LaFleur to join his older brother Matt in his first head coaching gig with the Green Bay Packers. However, Kyle Shanahan didn't give them the opportunity to even consider the possibility.

He blocked the elder LaFleur's request to interview the brother eight years his junior. He was asked if he was even tempted just a little bit to allow the reunion to happen, but Shanahan was more pragmatic than it seems.

“I was never tempted,” Shanahan said, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “It was very easy, and I looked forward to saying ‘no’ very quickly. As quick as I can.”

It's not like he doesn't understand the sentimental value of having family members working together on the same team in the NFL. However, Mike LaFleur is an important member of his coaching staff.

“Because he’s my coordinator,” he said. “I mean, and I get the family stuff and everything, and I’m sure if things got pretty rough for a while, eventually I would’ve softened up and given in – maybe. But Mike’s my coordinator, and he does a hell of a job. He’s a really talented guy, and we put a lot of work in together. I feel very fortunate to have him this year, and I plan on staying that way until he gets a head coach job.”

It's thanks to Mike that Shanahan has helped the San Fransisco 49ers to a superb 9-1 record this season. They're working closely to help build an offense that doesn't fall behind to the team's strong defense.

Of course, things can change in the long run and Shanahan may allow his passing coordinator to join his older brother. Until that happens, he remains a staff member of the 49ers.